The Evolving Climate Jurisprudence under UNCLOS through International Institutions [1]
Climate change has caused substantial and increasingly irreversible damage to terrestrial, freshwater, cryospheric, and coastal ecosystems. Approximately 3.3 to 3.6 billion people live in highly vulnerable contexts, where human and ecosystem vulnerability are closely linked. Regions with significant development constraints face elevated exposure to climatic hazards. Increasing extreme weather events have affected millions. Between 2010 and 2020, human mortality from floods, droughts, and storms was 15 times higher in highly vulnerable regions compared to areas with very low vulnerability.
The International Law Commission, in its 76th Session Report (June 2025), addressed ‘Sea Level Rise in Relation to International Law,’ clarifying the UNCLOS framework on baselines, preservation of statehood, human dignity, and solidarity in responding to sea level rise. In light of intensifying climate impacts, vulnerable communities have engaged global institutions, including the ILC, the International Court of Justice, and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, to develop climate jurisprudence. This webinar will explore the evolving climate jurisprudence under UNCLOS, focusing on advisory opinions on climate change, ILC insights on sea level rise, and the role of global institutions regarding anthropogenic emissions and transboundary harm.
Panelists:
- Liu Nengye (moderator), Associate Professor, Singapore Management University
- Ximena Hinrichs Oyarce, International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
- Bimal N. Patel, International Law Commission
- Margaret A. Young, The University of Melbourne
Co-sponsored by the ASIL Law of The Sea Interest Group, Rashtriya Raksha University, and Singapore Management University.
This event is free and open to all, but advance registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
Questions about registering? Please contact the ASIL Service Center at services@asil.org [2] or (+1) 202-939-6001.