Pollution Research Paper

Vol.42, Issue, 2, 2023; Page No.(198-200)

INTERACTIONS BETWEEN SUBSTANTIVE AND PROCEDURAL OBLIGATIONS IN PREVENTING ENVIRONMENTAL HARM

YANGFAN WU

Abstract

I examine the prevention principle- one of the most important principles in international environmental law, in its internal structure and interaction mechanisms. I analyze respectively the requirements of the substantive and procedural obligations of the principle, as well as their connections through relevant environmental disputations such as the ‘Pulp Mills’and‘Certain Activities’case and international environmental conventions like the CBD and UNFCC.I conclude that substantive obligations act as guidance, while procedural obligations play an indispensable complementary role. Through the interactions, the prevention principle can thus provide clear instruction for courts to make decisions.