The Signatories

“Lawyers are blessed with great privilege, which should be accompanied by great responsibility. In the face of an unprecedented global environmental, health and human rights crisis, we should all–law students, lawyers, policy-makers, legislators and judges–be using our power to pursue a just and sustainable world. Yet far too many of us are working in ways that promote injustice and unsustainability or entrench the status quo. Our profession needs transformative change and catalyzing that change is up to us.”

“Never before has it been so important for lawyers and legal organisations to remain vigilant of our professional and ethical responsibilities to the environment. Indeed, our strength lies in unity. I believe that through shared learning and collaboration we can continually improve our awareness of global climate concerns and build an international legal network focused on advocating for a climate-neutral and sustainable society for all.”

“There is no greater risk facing society today than climate change and as a lawyer and individual I feel that puts on my shoulders the responsibility to take every step I can in my working and home lives to reduce carbon emissions.”

“Legitimacy of our institutions derives more than ever from taking social responsibility. As representatives of legal systems, we can assume this responsibility by adopting a more holistic, global and intergenerational approach to climate justice.”

“The escalating threat of extreme weather events, such as droughts or floods, places a large number of Nigerians at risk of a loss of livelihood or falling into poverty. In addition, conflicts over the control of resources are on the rise in Nigeria, most notably between farmers and herders. This competition over land and water, driven by changing climatic conditions, is fueling tension among ethnic group across the country.”

“Lawyers are key players in climate action – this embraces environmental management, nature protection, and commitment as they lead in policy formulation, its development into law at global, regional and national levels, and in implementation. Humanity and all life stands threatened unless lawyers stand up to climate challenges on timely basis before self-annihilation of global Earth and systems that have this far sustained us. Responsible climate action is within reach and is the only basis of our survival. It is now or never!”

“Global warming poses new challenges for human rights bodies. They are confronted with complex procedures of an international dimension. While human rights bodies were not primarily created to deal with climate change claims, they will play a prominent role in this development. This is where I would like to contribute my experience as a human rights expert.”

“I support the Pledge because climate action is critical for human rights, and human rights can be an important tool to accelerate our response to the climate emergency. Thus, as a lawyer, I reiterate my commitment to climate action.”

“We need to turn climate change into a climate of real change.”

“Global warming cannot be stopped without international rule-based collective action. As an international lawyer, I feel I should inform people about the available legal options. I aspire to empower my students to make clever legal arguments that can be used by parliaments, diplomats, and courts. And I want to play out my expertise on global animal law to draw the connections between animal exploitation and climate change.”

“Climate change is a fundamental global challenge which demands fundamental global responsibilities. We share the same risks and threats – but we also share the same essential humanity and crucial responsibility to save the planet and lives, embracing solidarity, justice and human rights for all.”

“Climate change poses an existential threat to the Pacific, we as young advocators and guardians of our region are taking climate action by using the law as a vehicle for accelerating the transformational change we need to fight against climate injustice. By signing on to this pledge, we reaffirm our moral responsibility to protect our past, present and future generations.”