Our oceans are suffering under the impacts of climate change. Despite the critical role that oceans play in climate regulation, international climate law and the law of the sea are developed as two different, largely separate, legal regimes. The main objective of this book is to assess how the law of the sea can be interpreted, developed and applied to support the objectives of the United Nations Climate Regime. By identifying the potential and constraints of the law of the sea regime in supporting and complementing the climate regime in the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change, this book offers a new perspective on the law of the sea and its capacity to evolve to respond to systemic challenges, and its potential to adapt and ensure a resilient and sustainable future.

‘… the book does an admirable job of covering many of the key issues … [It] offers fascinating insights into the many influences climate change is having and will have on ocean governance and on the law of the sea … it is a must read for anyone concerned with the future of our ocean.’

Meinhard Doelle Source: Ocean Yearbook 36

‘… an excellent collection of essays on the challenges of climate change for the development of the law of the sea.’

James Harrison Source: The International Journal of Marine and Coastal Law