This is an introduction to the special issue on environmental laws and sustainability of the on-line peer review journal, Sustainability. In this introduction, we attempt to synthesize key lessons from the issue’s ten substantive articles. These lessons involve the use of law to achieve...

This article outlines what sustainable development means when applied to industry, the necessity for sustainable industry, and how sustainable industry can change and is already beginning to change the debate about pollution control. While it is possible for industry to have a positive impact,...

Article 11 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) currently provides that "environmental protection requirements must be integrated into the definition and implementation of the Union policies and activities, in particular with a view to promoting sustainable development"....

China is believed to have the world's largest exploitable reserves of shale gas, although several legal, regulatory, environmental, and investment-related issues will likely restrain its exploitation. China's capacity to face these hurdles successfully and produce commercial shale gas will have...

This study analyzes the initial implementation of the Sustainable Slopes Program a voluntary environmental initiative established by the U.S. National Ski Areas Association in partnership with federal and state government agencies. Our findings indicate that participation of western ski areas in...

In this article, "things" lawyers call "principles" of environmental law will be discussed from a theoretical perspective. Three fundamental questions are answered: 1. Where does the high moral value that is usually attributed principles come from? 2. What is the exact difference between a...

This paper explores the role played by indicators in relation to the protection of the environment. It tries to seize the potential they offer to steer global environmental issues. Indeed, indicators are a salient mean to quantify, measure and assess all kind of developments. Designed by either...

The Rio treaties broadened the concept of common concern and global responsibility for protection of environment. Economic growth and environmental degradation can be de-linked by promoting more eco-efficient growth patterns. Despite the rapid economic growth the concern of environmental...

The “Green New Deal” (GND) resolution proposed in the United States Congress “recogniz[es] the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal.” The GND resolution presents several goals, including achieving “net- zero greenhouse gas emissions through a fair and just...

One of the most longstanding narratives in environmental law and politics is the alleged necessity of choosing between development and environment. The narrative, based on conventional development, has a built-in zero-sum game — development or environment. A competing narrative, which has been...