The Global Rulebook

Since the environment knows no borders, international law is the only way to regulate global commons like the atmosphere and the oceans.

1. The Montreal Protocol (1987): Widely considered the most successful environmental treaty. It phased out the use of CFCs (chemicals that destroyed the ozone layer). It proved that with clear science and global cooperation, we can fix global environmental problems.

2. The Basel Convention: Regulates the "Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes." It prevents wealthy nations from dumping their toxic electronic waste or chemical waste in developing countries.

3. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species): Ensures that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. It protects over 38,000 species.

4. The Rise of "Hard Law" in the EU: The EU is moving from "Voluntary" to "Mandatory" sustainability.

• CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive): Requires 50,000+ companies to report on their sustainability impact using standardized rules.
• CSDDD (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive): Requires companies to identify and "neutralize" human rights and environmental abuses in their global supply chains.

These laws affect any global company doing business in Europe, creating a global "Brussels Effect."