Climate Change and Constitutions

Effective state action, individually and collectively at the local, national, regional and international levels, is indispensable for responding to climate change. As the framework for state action, constitutions can play a role in understanding and diminishing shortfalls and barriers to effective climate action. Constitutions are themselves impacted by climate change, attracting attention and potentially prompting change. And as enduring instruments of fundamental law, constitutions are useful vehicles to mandate actions in response to climate change.

The Eighth Melbourne Forum on Constitution Building in Asia and the Pacific centered on exploring the connections between climate change and constitutional frameworks in the region. The discussions were structured around key themes including representation and democratic decision-making, multi-level governance, constitutional provisions, and climate litigation.