Institute of International Politics and Economics marks World Environment Day 2019

The Institute of International Politics and Economics held public debate “Air Pollution and Climate Change in International Law and International Relations: From (great) expectations to (modest) results”, with the aim to mark 5 June – World Environment Day, designated by the United Nations in 1972. The public debate was organised to provide an opportunity to broaden awareness of the general public about climate change, as well as to focus on the analysis of the problem of air pollution in the light of the relevant norms of International Law. Dr. Dragoljub Todić, IIPE Professorial Fellow, gave an introductory presentation as a ground for a discussion, delving into contemporary “architecture” of international agreements which regulate air protection and climate change, with particular reference to the UNECE CLRTAP Convention, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. The position of the Republic of Serbia in the field of air protection and climate change was particularly analysed in the context of the European integration process, as well as from the perspective of the membership of Serbia in relevant international agreements. Further on, Professor Todić highlighted the human rights dimension, especially in terms of healthy environment and the relevant climatic conditions, through the activities of the UN Commission on International Law. Discussants raised several issues, namely the democratisation of political process as a necessary precondition for climate change, the definition of national interests of “small” states, security and health aspects of climate change, the need for a general environmental agreement, and the problem of sanctions application for violation of the relevant provisions of international treaties. Following the discussion, the participants agreed that it is vital to reduce the gap between the regulation and the effectivness of implementation in environmental protection worldwide, not only by regional agreements and activities of local communities, but by the personal contributions of each individual as well.