(160c) Commentary on Framework for Renewed Environmental Laws for Management of Extreme Weather Conditions

Extreme weather conditions (reflected in the form of “heatwaves, cold waves, heavy precipitation, drought, tornadoes, and tropical cyclones”) resulting from climate crisis is the defining challenge of the present-day situation, with no country and region of the globe being untouched. The author of this research work is of the considered view that adequately addressing and (solving) the catastrophe of extreme weather conditions will require renewed environmental laws and legislations. Also, solving the crisis will necessitate global partnership and cooperation: both at governmental levels, and among inter-governmental developmental agencies. It is in view of this consideration that the report on global warming of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has urged all involved stakeholders to avoid catastrophic impacts. In this context, it is pertinent to note that outside of climate-specific legal issues, there are several other aspects of environmental laws are relevant to climate change and resulting extreme weather conditions, the international community is confronted with. Such environmental laws pertain to (1) waste, (2) air pollution, (3) water, (4) deforestation, and (5) biodiversity. In view of the fact that actions taken for protecting the environment and ecology will enable initiatives to tackle climate change, environmental and climate change laws have synergistic relationship. From this perspective, environmental laws have potential to play a crucial role in assisting the national governments, from across the regions of the globe, address the relevant issues pertaining to extreme weather conditions.

This evidence-based review paper aims to present discussion on framework for renewed environmental laws for management of extreme weather conditions. It outlines how environmental laws are crucial in addressing the crisis resulting from extreme weather conditions. The methodology of data analysis is ‘descriptive’ (with no use of statistical and mathematical tools and techniques) . It involves “desk-based research” approach. Needed data have been collected from secondary sources, such as: books, book chapters, journal articles, and publications of (a) national governments, and (b) inter-governmental agencies. The author has analysed the collected data in a manner that aligns with laid down objectives. Systematic and scoping review of literature of relevant literature was undertaken by the author for the purpose of collecting needed data in this paper.

Analysis of data in this paper indicate that legal approaches to addressing extreme weather conditions and climate change situations have been influenced by traditional environmental regulation. However, they are now also influencing the creation of renewed environmental legislation. It is important to take note of the fact that by increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events, climate change crisis situation poses increased risks to water system (which makes water regulation an integral component of adaptation to impacts of climate change). Findings of research studies indicate that (1) “established principles of environmental laws have given way to outcomes (applications) in the fight against climate change”, and (2) “climate crisis situation has provided an impulsion for increasing the level of legal environmental protection”.

The author of this paper concludes that in response to need for addressing ongoing extreme weather events (including other “climate-related threats”), there is urgency to enact renewed laws and policies that have potential to effectively address the contributing factors for extreme weather conditions, now and for all times. Further, such policies should envisage (macro and micro level) initiatives aimed at twin outcomes, namely, (1) “bringing the situations resulting from climate change crisis under control”, and (b) “equipping the local communities with the resources and protections they (in their individual capacity) need to adapt to cope with extreme weather events”. Furthermore, relevant information and knowledge on “how to utilize legislative action to prevent extreme weather events” can be a valuable tool for stakeholders (in both governmental and non-governmental sectors) in programs aimed at protecting their communities. Importantly, it is crucial to ensure that renewed environmental laws maintain balance between reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fulfilling other environmental objectives, at every level of national governments.