Explaining the Function of Blockchain Technology in International Environmental Law with an Emphasis on Dealing with Climate Change

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Prof in public of international law, Department of law, Faculty of humanities, Bu-Ali Sina university, Hamadan, Iran.

2 Master of International law, Institute of civil and development higher Education, (Hamedan, Iran).

10.22099/jls.2024.48354.5007

Abstract

One of the emerging technologies that can be applied to address climate change is blockchain technology. International environmental law plays a crucial role in regulating and protecting water resources and combating climate change. These international laws and regulations include countries' obligations to reduce greenhouse gases, protect biodiversity, manage water and air resources, and more. Given these factors, the primary question of this thesis is how blockchain technology can enhance and strengthen international environmental rights in addressing climate change. This involves increasing transparency and trust in water resource management processes, reducing fraud and corruption, improving inter-country cooperation, and developing common standards and regulations in this field. The current research aims to answer the question of blockchain technology's position in international environmental law and its potential to contribute to climate change mitigation. To address this, we will first examine the concepts and evaluate blockchain's role in international environmental law, followed by an exploration of its most significant applications in the field of climate change.




 




 
 
Research Methodology
This research employed a descriptive-analytical approach. Information was collected using the document-library method, including available books and articles.
 
Research Findings
The human environment, as a fundamental pillar of life's continuity, requires constant attention both domestically and internationally. International environmental law, a series of customary rules and international agreements, is one of the newest and most extensive branches of public international law. It was established to regulate the interactions of subjects of international law (countries, international organizations, and individuals) in the realm of environmental protection.
Blockchain technology offers the possibility of recording and verifying vital environmental information, such as greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and increased destruction of natural resources, in a transparent and reliable manner. This information can be used as evidence in courts and international organizations. Blockchain can serve as a system for recording and verifying environmental transactions, including trade in protected goods and environmental violations. By employing blockchain, it becomes possible to more closely monitor the activities of industry and business in the field of environmental protection. Additionally, blockchain's capabilities enable the tracking of financial resources allocated to environmental protection projects. Furthermore, blockchain can assist in resolving environmental violations and crimes more swiftly. With a blockchain system, courts and the judicial system can address environmental violations and crimes more promptly and accurately.
Blockchain can be effective in transferring carbon credits between countries and different partners in a transparent and reliable manner. This can aid countries in finding the best ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and recognize their achievements. By utilizing blockchain, environmental information can be recorded transparently, reliably, and verifiably, leading to significant improvements in environmental resource management and the combat against environmental problems. However, the full utilization of blockchain in international environmental law necessitates international cooperation and agreements between countries and relevant organizations. Therefore, blockchain technology holds substantial environmental efficiency.
International environmental agreements, including those concluded in the field of the environment, have not yet explicitly mentioned the role of blockchain due to its emerging nature and limited use in the environmental domain. Nevertheless, blockchain technology and its environmental applications can be indirectly applied to several existing international environmental agreements. Some international environmental agreements suitable for blockchain application include:

Climate Change Agreement (Paris Agreement):This agreement was concluded to reduce greenhouse gases and combat climate change. Blockchain can be used in monitoring and tracking greenhouse gas emissions and creating financial mechanisms to achieve the agreement's objectives.
Biodiversity Agreement:This agreement was concluded to preserve biodiversity and ensure the sustainable use of biological resources worldwide. Blockchain can be used in tracking and managing biological and environmental resources.

 
It should be noted that blockchain is still in its early stages of environmental application and requires the development of specific laws and regulations to manage it and protect the rights and interests of stakeholders.
Blockchain, as a decentralized and transparent system, can help address numerous challenges of international environmental law. One of its application areas is the global climate change crisis. Recognized as a new worldwide challenge, climate change can be addressed through blockchain's reliable and transparent technology. This technology functions as a distributed system that stores and verifies information in interconnected blocks. Each block contains information such as date, time, origin, and destination related to climate change. By using blockchain, geographic information and remote sensing data can be recorded and verified. Moreover, programmable smart contracts on blockchain enable automatic calculations and payments, such as compensation for climate change-related damages. Additionally, blockchain can be used to collect weather data through sensors and devices connected to the internet.
The pursuit of a net-zero world within 30 years has led many to turn to blockchain technology. The United Nations Environment Program has identified transparency, clean energy, carbon markets, and climate finance as areas where blockchain can be beneficial. China, aiming to accelerate climate action, has also recognized the potential of blockchain in this regard.
Blockchain can contribute to climate change mitigation efforts in several ways, many of which are currently implemented in various countries. As countries, regions, cities, and businesses strive to rapidly implement the Paris climate change agreement, they must leverage all available innovative and advanced technologies. Blockchain can help engage more stakeholders, foster trust, and create new solutions to combat climate change. It is time for the blockchain community to unite with the climate change community through concrete and scalable investments.

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Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Legal Studies
Volume 16, Issue 3 - Serial Number 53
October 2024
Pages 425-462

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