The Role of Lawyers, Bar Associations, and Law Societies in Combatting Climate Change
Lawyers and bar associations have a critical role to play in activating decarbonization and adaptation, and creating a more climate-conscious legal practice.
Summer 2023: Net Zero
Volume 38, Issue 1
In This Issue
Corporate Net-Zero Commitments: Balancing Accountability and Aspiration
The open landscape of “net-zero” commitments requires all stakeholders, not just corporate citizens, to build its infrastructure responsibly.
Will Derivative Shareholder Litigation Be the New Firing Line for Ensuring Achievement of Corporate Sustainability Goals?
A new private judicial strategy is emerging in Europe to force corporate commitment to emissions reduction through shareholder derivative lawsuits. Could these lawsuits gain traction in the United St…
Advancing Net-Zero Goals to Achieve Environmental Justice
Given that consumer demand is a driving force behind many ESG programs, failing to factor in environmental justice into a company’s ESG program can pose reputational and business risks.
Between a Rock and a Green Place
The evolving legal and regulatory framework of EGS should help companies avoid the “greenwashing” allegations inherent in the absence of a clear governing standard.
Navigating to Net Zero: Regulatory Regimes and Market Trends Impacting Decisions
Beyond federal government incentives and regulation, the power of market forces is a strong driver in the transition to net zero.
Net-Zero Directives and Drivers
Merely setting net zero goals is not enough to achieve net zero. Businesses and governments must also implement innovative technologies, policies, and sustainable practices to ensure success.
Constructing a Sustainable Future: Net-Zero Cities
Local governments like Marin County are paving the way for increased decarbonization of the building sector.
Will Enhanced CO2 Tax Credits Breathe a New Life into Carbon Capture Projects?
This article will examine how owners and developers of carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies constrained by the law and IRS guidance on Section 45Q could instead monetize the incentiv…
Blue Carbon as a Means to Reaching Net Zero
Blue carbon is a nature-based method to achieve net-zero emissions with great potential, particularly with offshore seaweed projects.
Departments
Vantage Point
While the concept of net zero is straightforward, this issue shows how challenging successful and meaningful implementation can be.
Perspectives: Be Present
Amid the stress of life and work, taking the time to appreciate small things can bring meaningful joy in the present.
Literary Resources
Reviews of The Greater San Rafael Swell: Honoring Tradition and Preserving Storied Lands, Saving Yellowstone: Exploration and Preservation in Reconstruction America, and Global Climate Change and U.S…
The Back Page: Oceans
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas and the International Seabed Authority are being pushed to develop regulations and permitting standards for deep sea mining.
Insights
Hubris, Thy Name Is Plastic
We tried to reinvent the world with plastic. Now, to save the world, we have to invent a world without it, or at least a whole lot less.
Ecological Law Concepts in Practice
Ecological law concepts can be integrated into environmental law frameworks to promote nature-centered decision-making. However, policymakers should consider the lasting effect of agency actions abse…
Turning 50: The Future of Oregon’s Land Use System
As Oregon’s unique land use system turns 50 in 2023, its history of surviving challenges indicates that there are only more to come.