How can the role of the judiciary in international climate governance be formalised to ensure accountability and action when governmental political institutions fall short?

Authors

Roy Abi Raad

Document Type

Research Project

Publication Date

Fall 9-29-2025

Abstract

Conventional Governance Framework have recurrently proved inadequate to tackle the extent and immediacy of environmental concerns as the climate calamity worsens. The judiciary has evolved into a crucial player in the assertion for climate justice because of this governance deficit. Courts can safeguard human rights, interpret international treaties, and hold people accountable for environmental deterioration, function that are acquiring increasing significance important in both developed and developing nations. Nevertheless, they lack institutional mechanism to legally incorporate the judiciary within the international climate governance framework (such as the UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, and Loss and Damage Fund). In order to guarantee accountability, especially in situations where governmental institutions are insufficient, this article examine how judicial institutions might be fundamentally integrated into global climate governance when government are falling short. It illustrates the legal, ecological, and human repercussions of leaving out judicial reparations from environmental frameworks utilizing Lebanon as a case study. It also provides policy recommendations for COP30 and beyond.

Recommended Citation

Raad, Roy Abi, "How can the role of the judiciary in international climate governance be formalised to ensure accountability and action when governmental political institutions fall short?" (2025). COP30. 14.
https://buescholar.bue.edu.eg/cop30/14