Globalization, internationalization, and regionalism have influenced the development of environmental law (Boer, 1998-99). Asia has developed an impressive body of environmental law and principles although the deterioration of the environment continues. Population pressures, poverty, and rapid industrialization have compounded the challenges facing this region. Asia has also witnessed many environmental disasters and challenges, ranging from the Minamata disease outbreak to the Bhopal gas leak, considered the worst industrial accident in history. Moreover, the region suffers from transboundary issues such as air pollution and health damage caused by forest fires (or the 'haze') in Indonesia. This chapter discusses selected environmental principles in Asia with a focus on South Asia and the ASEAN.
Bibliographic Citation
Sumudu Atapattu, Environmental law principles in Asia in Elgar Encyclopedia of Environmental Law, Michael Faure ed., (2018).
Keywords
ASEAN
sustainable development
UN ESCAP
SACEP
Sustainable Development Goals
South Asia
precautionary principe
inter-generational equity principle
right to a healthy environment
polluter pays principle
environmental impact assessment
procedural rights
participation
access to information
public trust doctrine
duty not to cause transboundary harm
duty to cooperate
forest fires
haze pollution
Rights
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