Dr. Thomas L. Muinzer, Reader in Law at the University of Aberdeen, has become the first person to sole-author an introduction to climate litigation. Major Cases in Climate Law: A Critical Introduction offers a comprehensive and detailed examination of some of the most significant legal rulings surrounding climate change from across the globe.
The book, published by Bloomsbury, serves as a vital resource for academics, practicing lawyers, policymakers, and civil servants, delving into major climate cases that have shaped the legal landscape in recent years. It is poised to become an essential read for those engaged with climate law, policy, and governance.
A World of Legal Precedents
Climate change is widely regarded as one of the most pressing challenges humanity faces, and the legal responses to this global crisis are becoming increasingly critical. Dr. Muinzer’s book introduces readers to key rulings that focus on climate change, exploring how the law is evolving to meet the demands of this global emergency.
The book is not only a critical introduction to the field of climate litigation but also an in-depth exploration of individual landmark cases. Dr. Muinzer examines cases such as the Heathrow Runway Case in the UK, the Urgenda Case in the Netherlands, and the Colombian Amazon Case, among others. Each case study is accompanied by an analysis of the facts, legal issues, and outcomes, offering readers a clear and evaluative account of how these rulings have contributed to the growing body of climate law.
A Foreword from Justice Brian Preston
The book features a foreword by the Honourable Justice Brian Preston, Chief Justice of the Land and Environment Court in Australia, a leading figure in environmental law. Justice Preston, who has recently been awarded the Order of Australia, the country’s highest honor, offers his insight into the importance of the legal framework in addressing climate change. His support adds significant weight to the book's credibility and relevance.
Justice Preston’s contributions to climate law are well-known, and his involvement in the book underscores the critical importance of judicial perspectives in advancing climate justice. The inclusion of his foreword sets the stage for a detailed exploration of climate litigation’s role in shaping environmental policy worldwide.
Essential Reading for the Legal Community
As climate law continues to rise in importance, Dr. Muinzer’s work provides an indispensable guide to understanding the evolving legal challenges posed by climate change. The book is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, including students, researchers, legal professionals, and policymakers.
It critically engages with the cases that have defined climate law, analysing how legal systems in various countries are addressing climate change through litigation and policy. The comprehensive analysis in Major Cases in Climate Law will serve as a valuable tool for understanding the intersection of law, climate science, and environmental policy.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas L. Muinzer is a leading expert in climate law and governance, with a background in environmental justice and policy. As a Reader in Law at the University of Aberdeen, he has taught and researched extensively in the field of climate law. His expertise has made him a sought-after voice in discussions on legal responses to climate change.
Dr. Muinzer’s scholarly work is known for its critical approach to legal frameworks and its focus on how law can respond effectively to the challenges posed by climate change. This new book, Major Cases in Climate Law, is a culmination of years of research and an urgent contribution to the field.
Where to Find the Book
Major Cases in Climate Law: A Critical Introduction will be available from February 24, 2025, published by Bloomsbury. For more information and to purchase the book, visit the publisher’s website here.
For anyone interested in the legal mechanisms at play in the fight against climate change, Dr. Muinzer’s latest work is a must-read.
