Protection of global climate : a review of developments

Abstract

The international efforts to safeguard the global climate have led to a dynamic process aimed at developing a legal regime which will ensure the adequate and effective protection of mankind against the adverse effects of climate change caused by human activities. The purpose of this study is to review the main developments which have occurred since the Government of Malta took the initiative to raise the question of climate change at the 43rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The problem of climate change is a complex and intricate one. Clearly it is impossible, in this study, to discuss or even attempt to deal with the scientific aspects of the issue. In this respect, the reader would do well to refer to the proceedings of conferences and scientific literature which have dealt with the phenomenon of climate change.