Receding maritime zones, uninhabitable states and climate exiles: how international law must adapt to climate change

摘要

International law is flexible and dynamic. It continuously adapts to unforeseen circumstances and new political demands and now it will also have to adapt to climate change. Climate change challenges us to reconsider many areas of international law, from management of transboundary natural resources to state liability for environmental damage. This article looks at three consequences of climate change: receding maritime zones, uninhabitable states and 'climate exiles'. Many states will be affected by these issues, including small island developing states (SIDS) and low-lying coastal states.