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Space
Space Court: Establishing a Regulatory Body for the Protection of the Space Environment In line with the need for action, we propose the establishment of an international environmental body, with specific responsibility for the regulation of space exploration. Such a body could mediate disputes between actors and determine liability for pollution of the orbital environment. If successful, it would operate having regard to the Outer Space Treaty, but also be capable of engaging with the commercial sector as its influence on space exploration becomes apparent. International regulations, operating in line with the precautionary principle would be of great assistance to space explorers in understanding the need to operate in a sustainable manner. This also leaves precedent for the regulation of planetary exploration, when technology reaches the point that it becomes possible to extract resources from other planets. Humanity has struggled to address the consequences of overexploitation of our planet’s resources. We must not make the same mistakes as we seek to take the next giant leap for mankind. Conclusion It is clear that the Outer Space Treaty no longer fully reflects the space exploration environment on Earth. The Treaty, while well-intentioned, is outdated, and leaves much to be desired in terms of imposing responsibility on those who act in an unsustainable manner while exploring space. Bearing in mind the alarming pollution levels on our own planet, and the ever increasing rate of exploration, the time has come for change in space pollution regulation. In light of the above suggestions, it is time for us all to remember: “[d]o or do not. There is no try.”
Sky High Emissions in Aviation: International Regulation, the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme, and COVID’s Impact By Sophie Brennan, Postgraduate Student in International and European Business Law Aviation’s Contribution to Emissions, pre COVID It will not come as a surprise that civil aviation (aviation which is inclusive of both commercial and private flights, ie. non-military aviation) plays a role in the ever growing concerns around climate change. In September 2020, the Air Transport Action Group reported that the aviation industry had produced 915 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2019, globally. This figure indicates that the aviation industry was responsible for twelve per cent of CO2 emissions across all transport sources. Considering that the aviation industry was on a path of growth until the pandemic hit – with just over one and a half billion travellers internationally in 2000, compared to just under four and a half billion in 2020 - and with flying continually becoming cheaper and more accessible, it is clear that the contribution of aviation to global warming requires regulation and fundamental change.
Regulation of Aviation Emissions The aviation industry and its contribution to global emissions can be regulated on three separate levels: nationally, regionally, and internationally. While there are a host of approaches to aviation emissions on both national and regional levels, aviation is said to be most effectively handled at an international level due to the global nature
