The Origin and Emergence of International Environmental Norms

In this symposium essay, I intend to explore the origins and influence of international environmental norms. I believe I can identify twenty norms as either prevailing or rising norms of global environmental law: sic utere tuo ut alienum non laedas (use your property so that the property of others is not damaged); subsidiarity; cultural diversity; the environment is a human right; the common heritage of humankind; environmental impact assessment; intergenerational equity; state sovereignty; the polluter pays principle; active role of civil society and NGOs; notification and consultation; equal access to justice; monitoring, reporting and disclosure; sustainable development; the precautionary principle; North-South equity; constitutional right to a decent environment; common but differentiated responsibility; common concern of humankind; and domestic enforcement