This paper asks whether the European Union's (EU) Emissions Trading Scheme has encouraged investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in developing countries. So far, it has produced very little investment in either in spite of the EU's decision to allow credits for projects...

The paper outlines the role of insurance as a political economic tool that can be used to face the issue of climate change. The magnitude of potential loss, the adverse social and economic consequences for millions of people and considerable fiscal strain imposed on the government budget by...

To discourage unhealthy eating and limit the population’s intake of fatty foods, an increasing number of countries across the the European Union is considering levying taxes on unhealthy food. This essay provides a brief analysis of the genesis, rationale and legal implications of these...

At a time in which food taxes are causing controversy throughout Europe and discussed across the world, this article provides an analysis of the genesis, rationale, scientific evidence and legal implications stemming from the introduction of such fiscal schemes. By taking as a case study the...

Western experts have extensively counseled East European constitution drafters regarding the dangers of including various social and economic rights within their constitutions. These advisors often criticize provisions that guarantee a right to a clean environment or make the protection of the...

To help achieve its targets for reductions in green house gases, the European Commission has adopted regulations under the Ecodesign Directive (2005/32/EC). These require increased energy efficiency for external power supplies, standby and off-modes for electronic household and office equipment...

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"....

The paper analyzes the EPA's proposed 'total maximum daily load' (TMDL) rules for water quality regulation. The benefits of movement to a system that drives pollutant reductions from ambient water conditions are described. The paper argues that while TMDLs are a highly desirable form of...

At first sight the potential discrepancy between competitive behavior of market participants, trade rules and the basic notion of sustainable development may seem to be of a negligible importance. However, during the interactions of market processes with sustainability goals through various...

The European Union has been prizing itself for being the global leader in terms of climate change; its triptych approach and the 20-20-20 targets were certainly an enviable effort prior to the United Nations Convention. However, with the economic crisis having left its mark, there has been a...