The Law of Adaptation to Climate Change: United States and International Aspects

The laws that try to reduce climate change are well known. But what about the climate change that is occurring regardless of these efforts? The Law of Adaptation to Climate Change takes a sweeping look at the current and proposed legal aspects of coping with climate change—from drought, extreme precipitation, heat waves, and wild fires to global shifts in temperature, sea level, water and food supply, coastal conditions, infrastructure, ecosystems, and human health and economies. Applicable laws exist at all levels, but are uncoordinated and embody numerous contradictions and inevitable gaps. This book provides a comprehensive resource of laws aimed at increasing resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change. Written by authorities from private practice, government, and academia, this compendium examines the legal aspects of coping with climate change, both in the United States and around the world. Chapters address critical U.S. concerns related to water, energy, building and infrastructure, public lands, coastal issues, species and ecosystem impacts, and disaster preparedness, as well as important international issues such as financing, health, population displacement, maritime jurisdiction, water, and human security.