Search by region for statements and information
Law Association of Zambia
Contact: sakalae@laz.org.zm / lzulu@equitas-legal.com
Climate Change Statement
At the backdrop of a severe drought affecting Zambia as a result of climate change, the Law Association of Zambia, representing the legal profession in the country has adopted a climate change statement, a declaration of its resolve to support Government, the business community and other stakeholders towards climate change, green initiatives and sustainability. This is a first, for any African Bar.
We are awaiting entries from this region. If you have access to the relevant documentation, please visit the submission page.
Islamabad High Court Bar Association
Contact: climatechange.ihcba@gmail.com
- IHCBA, Climate Change Committee - Terms of Reference (2024)
In April 2024, the Islamabad High Court Bar Association established the Climate Change Committee to increase climate literacy within the legal community, to share information and inspire initiatives in sustainability, the environment and the climate crisis. The Committee is endorsed by the Pakistan Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination
Statement on World Environment Day 2024
Statement issued by the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) on World Environment Day, June 5, 2024, announcing its initiative to promote climate literacy through the formation of a Climate Change Committee. It highlights legal challenges posed by climate change and calls on lawyers to address these issues and encouraging IHCBA members to engage with the committee's efforts
Japanese Federation of Bar Associations
-
Declaration to Aim for a Sustainable Society Averting Climate Crisis
Read in English | Read in Japanese
Taipei Bar Association
Contact: mahler0413@gmail.com
-
Declaration on Global Climate Crisis (English and Mandarin) (2023)
The 2023 Declaration by the Taipei Bar Association on Global Climate Crisis describes how the Taipei Bar Association will actively participate in the establishment of relevant legal regimes and take corresponding actions to safeguard fundamental human rights protection, racial equality and sustainable development as crucial foundations for a country governed by the rule of law in addressing the crisis of climate change.
- Climate-focused seminar
The Taipei Bar Association convened a conference on "Climate and Human Rights: Climate Constitutional Litigation on National Emission Reduction Targets" (氣候與人權：國家減量目標氣候憲法訴訟) in May 2024, focusing on Taiwan's first climate constitutional litigation case, which challenges the country's short and medium-term emission reduction targets. It's in collaboration with the Environmental Rights Foundation (ERF), the Environmental Law Committee of the Taiwan Bar Association (TWBA), and the Taichung Bar Association. Click here to read more information.
- Climate-focused seminar
The Taipei Bar Association is planning to hold a seminar on "Climate Change Adaptation and the Rule of Law" (氣候變遷調適與法治國家原則) on November 30, 2024, with the Environmental Jurists Association (EJA). The conference aims to discuss the legal aspects of climate change adaptation and the role of the rule of law in addressing climate-related challenges. Click here to read more information.
The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE)
Contact: ccbe@ccbe.eu
-
CCBE Initial Statement on Climate Change
Read in English | Read in French
The CCBE's initial statement on climate change outlines its commitment to addressing the global climate crisis by promoting climate-conscious legal practices. The statement emphasizes the role of Bars, Law Societies, and lawyers in mitigating climate change while upholding the rule of law, human rights, and access to justice. It commits to guiding its members, sharing resources, and fostering collaboration to reduce the legal profession's carbon footprint and encourage legal actions that support environmental sustainability. -
Carbon Footprint Report 2023
Read in English | Read in French
The 2023 Carbon Footprint Report by CCBE provides data on CCBE’s scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions in 2023, as well as offsets used. Because CCBE used a different carbon footprint calculator in 2023, this report also includes recalculated data for 2022, so that the results from 2022 and 2023 can be compared. - Carbon Footprint Report 2022
Read in English | Read in French
CCBE’s 2022 Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) provides data on CCBE’s scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions in 2022, as well as carbon offsets used - Corporate Social Responsibility and the Legal Profession: Key Considerations for Bars and Lawyers
Read in English | Read in French
This guidance aims to enhance discussions on environmental sustainability within the legal profession by exploring corporate social responsibility (CSR) developments and the role of lawyers in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It highlights how lawyers can advise on CSR, engage with clients, and promote responsible conduct while emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and ethical considerations. The document also examines the role of Bar and Law Societies in CSR education and implementation.
The Law Society of England and Wales
Contact: Alasdair.Cameron@lawsociety.org.uk
-
Climate risk governance and greenwashing risks (2023)
This guide offers advice for solicitors on managing climate risk governance and addressing greenwashing risks in companies. It is designed for both in-house and private practice solicitors, focusing on helping them provide guidance to directors and companies on effective climate risk governance and compliance with climate-related disclosures under the Companies Act 2006. The guide also highlights how these issues relate to solicitors' and directors' duties. -
Green leases and minimum energy efficiency standards (2023)
This guidance focuses on green leases and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for commercial properties in England and Wales. It outlines what green lease drafting entails and its significance for solicitors and their clients. The guide explains the rationale behind green leases, their impact on the market, and client demand. It also addresses MEES, including the duty of care solicitors have in advising clients about MEES-related risks, landlord liabilities, and solicitors' obligations. Additionally, it covers climate legal risks affecting UK property and provides model green lease clauses. -
Impact of climate change on solicitors (2023)
This guidance addresses the effects of climate change on legal practices, as outlined in the Law Society's Climate Change Resolution from October 2021. It is intended for all Law Society members and covers how to adapt legal practice in the context of climate change. The guidance is divided into two parts and is designed for solicitors, legal firms, and in-house employers. It provides resources to navigate the evolving legal landscape and make informed decisions. -
Creating a climate-conscious approach to legal practice (2021)
The resolution calls on solicitors and law firms to integrate climate-conscious practices into their work. It emphasises adopting science-based targets for reducing carbon emissions and incorporating climate considerations into legal services. The resolution also urges solicitors to support clients in their climate strategies and align with businesses' increasing demands for sustainability. Highlighting the urgent need to address the climate crisis, it encourages the legal profession to actively contribute to the transition to net zero emissions, as outlined by global climate reports.
Law Society of Scotland (LSS)
Contact: sustainability@lawscot.org.uk
-
Climate change initiatives
Summarises the Law Society of Scotland’s response to the escalating climate crisis, seeking to act and lead change across the legal sector.
-
Climate Change Resolution
In November 2023, the Council of the Law Society of Scotland passed a resolution formally setting out the Society’s strong commitment to climate action at an organisational and sector-wide level.
-
Sustainability Strategy
The Lawscot Sustainability initiative will engage with and lead change in the legal sector, supporting the profession to take climate conscious and socially responsible action.
-
Climate action resource hub
The resource hub draws together information and support designed to help members make the right decisions for their business or organisation, their clients and themself. The impact of climate change on legal practice is constantly evolving and we will regularly update and develop our resources to reflect this.
The Law Society of Northern Ireland
Contact: policy@lawsoc-ni.org
-
Resolution on Climate Change
The Law Society of Northern Ireland’s Climate Change Resolution (dated October 2022) contains two key strands: the first strand covers the Society’s commitments in relation to climate change and the second strand encourages solicitors to make changes to address climate change and act in a climate conscious manner.
-
Sustainability Strategy
The Law Society of Northern Ireland’s Sustainability Strategy (dated January 2024) sets out a roadmap towards a more sustainable future for the Society and the solicitor profession in Northern Ireland. It builds on the Society’s Climate Resolution and contains actions across 4 themes: Sustainable Workplace, Stakeholder Engagement, Training and Development, and Climate Justice.
Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil (OAB) – Brazilian Bar Association
-
The role of the OAB and lawyers in combating climate change
Read in Portuguese | Read in English
American Bar Association (ABA)
Contact email: John Dernbach jcdernbach@widener.edu
-
Environmental Justice Resolution 513 (2021)
This document resolves that the ABA will advance environmental justice principles and considerations in its programs, policies, and activities, and urges law firms, corporate and nonprofit legal departments, lawyers, law schools, and state, local, territorial, tribal, and specialty bar associations to include and consider the perspectives and communities of color, indigenous communities, low-income communities, and other vulnerable populations and people as stakeholders in environmental justice decision-making and implementation. -
ABA House of Delegates Resolution 111 (2019)
This ABA Resolution urges all levels of government and the private sector to address climate change by achieving net-zero U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and contributing fairly to global temperature control. It calls on Congress to enact diverse legal measures for emission reduction, climate adaptation, and a just transition for carbon-dependent communities, while incorporating sustainable development principles. The ABA also encourages active U.S. participation in international climate agreements and pro bono legal efforts to combat climate change. -
United Nations Climate Change Conferences
As an official observer to the United Nations Climate Change Conferences, the ABA participates in numerous programs to educate lawyers about their roles in getting to net zero. These programs are coordinated collaboratively by the ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources’, Climate Change Task Force with other bar associations, including the IBA, Brazilian Bar Association, Law Society of England and Wales, and many other bar organisations from around the globe. - ABA House of Delegates Resolution 513 (2024)
This Resolution reaffirms the ABA’s commitment to sustainable development; supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015; and urges lawyers to learn about sustainable development, and to counsel their clients on related risks and opportunities.
Barreau du Québec
Contact: environnement@barreau.qc.ca
- Politique Responsabilite Sociale Environement
This policy aims to define the social and environmental responsibility of the Quebec Bar and to affirm its commitment in this area. It also aims to plan and structure its actions in this regard towards the public, its members and the parties participating in the field of justice. It provides for guiding principles and the adoption of an action plan in terms of social and environmental responsibility.
The three pillars of the Bar’s commitment to ESG are as follows:
a. Exemplarity of the Bar
b. Supporting the members
c. Social and environmental leadership - Guide des meilleures pratiques écoresponsables pour les services juridiques
In order to encourage and support eco-responsible practices within law firms and by their members, the Barreau du Québec published the Guide to Best Eco-Responsible Practices for Legal Services, prepared in collaboration with the Quebec Centre for Sustainable Development (CQDD) and the Young Bar of Quebec, which was also the initiator of the project. The Guide offers measures tailored to the legal sector, organized around 17 issues inspired by the Quebec sustainable development standard for businesses.
Canadian Bar Association (CBA)
Law Council of Australia
-
Submission to 2020 Review of the Emissions Reduction Fund
In this submission, the Law Council's Legal Practice Section notes that the aim of any climate policy should be the reduction of emissions in line with Australia’s 2030 Paris Agreement goals at the lowest possible cost. It notes that while the Emissions Reduction Fund is one of the few examples of policy stability, it is not sufficient in the medium- to long-term to be the main driver for emissions reduction in Australia.
-
Submission to Inquiry on Climate Change (National Framework for Adaption and Mitigation) Bill 2020 and Climate Change (National Framework for Adaption and Mitigation) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2020
In this submission, the Law Council and its Australian Environmental and Planning Law Group (AEPLG) notes that this Bill has the potential to transform Australia’s approach to combatting climate change and its impact on Australia’s environment and society. In particular, the introduction of a national climate risk assessment, national adaptation plan and emissions budgets and reduction plans are noted as positive developments which could enable potential improvement in the coordination of Australia’s climate mitigation efforts.
-
Climate Change Policy
The Law Council’s Climate Change Policy Statement provides an evidence-based policy position on climate change which furthers the Law Council’s objects; ensures that the legal implications of climate change are well-understood from different perspectives; considers legal implications of climate change for the legal profession; and sets out the Law Council’s position on the principles that should inform the role and development of the law, and the role of the legal profession, education and practice in this area.
-
Legal implications of Climate Change: Background Paper
The Law Council’s Background Paper discusses the high-level scientific, social, and economic context of climate change, including the drivers of climate change and the resultant physical and transition risks. It also considers the legal implications of climate change in relation to Australia’s international law obligations, domestic legal and policy frameworks, litigation trends, the legal profession and legal practice.
-
Submission to Inquiry on Climate Change Bill 2022 (Cth) and Climate Change (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2022 (Cth)
In this submission, the Law Council welcomes the Climate Change Bill 2022 (Cth) which seeks to enshrine Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, which reflect Australia’s current nationally determined contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, into domestic law. The Law Council makes several recommendations in relation to specific clauses in the Bill to ensure that Australia’s emissions reduction targets are legislated in a manner that best reflects its NDC and its international obligations under the Paris Agreement.
-
Submission to Inquiry into Australia’s transition to a green energy superpower
In this submission, the Law Council sets out key principles that it considers should guide Australia’s policy and legislative approach to climate change, applied specifically to trade and investment in renewable energy. The first key principle of that Policy is that Australia’s international law obligations with respect to climate change should be fully implemented domestically. It notes that the acceleration of renewable energy as the dominant contributor to electricity generation is a key mitigation measure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, consistent with Australia’s obligations under the Paris Agreement.
-
Climate-related financial disclosure – Consultation Paper
In this submission to Australia’s Treasury Department, the Law Council notes its support for the proposed development in Australia of an appropriate regulatory framework to require business entities with exposure to financial risks arising from the transition required to mitigate the effects of climate change to disclose that risk (as consistent with the comprehensive global baseline of sustainability disclosure standards being developed by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)). The Law Council notes that it is critical for Australia’s regulatory settings to be consistent in this regard with internationally prescribed requirements on climate-related disclosures, including those developed by the ISSB and the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
-
Climate-related financial disclosure – Second Consultation
In this submission, the Law Council notes its support for the development of a mandatory climate-related financial disclosure (CRFD) regime for Australia, drafted to reflect the IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures as issued by the ISSB. It recommends careful calibration of the legal and policy settings of these reforms to achieve their important and urgent purpose of supporting a just transition to a low-carbon economy.
-
Climate-related financial disclosure: exposure draft legislation
In this submission, which concerns the Treasury Laws Amendment Bill 2024: Climate-related financial disclosure, the Law Council reiterates its support for the introduction of mandatory CRFD laws in Australia drafted to align with IFRS S2. The submission identifies three key issues that the Law Council suggests require further consideration: the scope of the CRFD regime, the form of the directors’ declaration, and the limited immunity (a prescribed 3-year moratorium on private litigation to encourage climate-related financial disclosures).
-
Submission to Inquiry into the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill 2024
In this submission, the Law Council recommends adjustments to the Bill containing the proposed CRFD laws in relation to directors’ declarations and the inclusion of a limited immunity from private litigation. The Law Council expresses its support for a limited immunity from suit as it considers compliance promoted in the early years by a regulator to be preferable to litigation. To this end, the Law Council makes a number of recommendations to improve the efficacy of the limited immunity.
-
Submission to Inquiry into the Impact of Climate Risk on Insurance Premiums and Availability
In this submission, the Law Council notes that the physical impacts of climate change, including climate-related natural disasters and extreme weather events, are unevenly distributed and disproportionately affect individuals and small businesses in remote and regional parts of Australia, where there is underinsurance and non-insurance. The Law Council notes that the socio-economic burden of managing climate risks, including post-disaster recovery, cannot be exclusively borne by the insurance industry or consumers alone, but requires government responses in relation to mitigation and adaptation. In this regard, the Law Council reiterates its support for the new CRFD laws and notes the potential for law reform in the areas of consumer law and environmental land use and planning law.
Law Society of New South Wales
Contact: lawsociety@lawsociety.com.au
- Climate change practical guide (2024)
-
Climate Change Practitioner Guidance
The Climate Change Practitioner Guidance (dated January 2024) explores how a solicitor’s professional duty of care to advise, warn and disclose when providing legal advice applies in the context of climate change legal risks.
-
Annexure B: Climate Change Guidance: Advising on Climate Risk
The Annexure to the Guidance gives detailed guidance on advising on climate risk. It is updated periodically to reflect legislative and regulatory developments.