Ecological Integrity and Global Governance: Science, ethics and the law

by Laura Westra

Overview

It is increasingly argued that a focus on environmental sustainability is fundamental to effective and equitable governance, and ultimately for the good of mankind. This book argues that, in the face increasing environmental challenges, it is essential to recognise the role that ecological integrity has played, and must play, in governance for environmental sustainability in order to ensure the future survival of life on earth.

Ecological integrity encompasses not only the necessity of respect for nature, but also the human right to a sound and healthy environment. The author shows that on this basis, acceptance of its primacy in law and governance is key to a sustainable and equitable future for all. The book presents a uniquely informed treatise on the term, its origins, evolution and position in current debates, exploring the conflicts which have so far prevented its acceptance.

Written by a leading scholar on the subject, this book provides the most in-depth exposition of ecological integrity available to increase understanding of this crucial concept and encourage its adoption in governance and international law.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138647220
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/05/2016
Series:	Routledge Research in International Environmental Law
Pages:	218
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Laura Westra is professor emerita (philosophy), University of Windsor, Canada and a sessional instructor at the Faculty of Law, University of Milano (Bicocca), Italy.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1. Ecological Integrity between Ethics and Law 2. Integrity in Conflict 3. Integrity against Racism in Conflict Situations and Migrations 4. Air, Food and Water: Ecointegrity for the Survival of Present and Future Generations 5. Ecological Integrity as Basic Human Right and the Principle of the Common Heritage of Humankind 6. Ecologically Based Governance and the Future of Integrity 7. The Integrity of the Earth: A Moral and Legal Imperative for Survival

Editorial Reviews

"Global Environmental Governance has many flaws as is commonly known, but this book uncovers their root cause. Summarizing much of her impressive lifework, Laura Westra makes a strong case for ecological integrity as a fundamental principle to guide law and governance. Governments and decision-makers ignore this book’s vital message at their peril." – Klaus Bosselmann, University of Auckland, New Zealand.

"With this new book, Laura Westra has added to her prodigious output of scholarly work on the topic of ecological integrity. She continues to give meaning to the vital concept, this time with an emphasis on its importance to law and global governance. Most of Westra's past work on ecological integrity, including on environmental ethics, policy and law, human rights and global justice is interwoven throughout this masterful analysis." – Kathleen Mahoney, University of Calgary, Canada.

"Laura Westra offers an impressive multidisciplinary discussion of the concept of "ecological integrity" aimed at developing it as a working legal category in the making of a cosmopolitan and yet practical ecology of law. This is the best kind of contribution that a philosopher can offer to the challenges of Anthropocene. A must-read." – Ugo Mattei, co-author of Plunder: When The Rule of Law is Illegal and of The Ecology of Law.

"The sustainability of the human enterprise hangs on entangled threads of ecological integrity and social justice swinging precariously in the void yet to be occupied by effective global governance. Laura Westra’s latest book weaves the safety net of science, ethics and international law the world community needs to save itself from itself." – William Rees, University of British Columbia, Canada.

"Westra has followed the scientific, ethical, philosophical, legal, social, local, and global dimensions of ecosystem integrity across three decades. She is on the front lines in her clarion call that ecosystem integrity is foundational for respecting life on this wonderland Earth." – Holmes Rolston III, Colorado State University, USA.

"The lack of consideration for "ecological integrity" is the key to explain how states and corporations disregard human rights, public health, as well as problems posed by forced migrations, food and water deprivation and climate change. This book is not radical, but radically logical and even balanced in its proposals." – Tullio Scovazzi, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.

From the Publisher