I came across this article earlier in the week and have been at a loss for what to say about it in an Inkwell post. Stephen Hockman, a British judge, has proposed an international environmental court be established to enforce international agreements regarding greenhouse gas emissions and to fine countries and companies that “fail to protect endangered species or degrade the natural environment.”
Mr. Hockman suggests the court be modeled after the International Court of Justice, whose judges are elected by the UN General Assembly. However, how he proposes judges for this court be selected is not clear, only that it should be made up of retired judges, climate change experts, and other public figures. Additionally, “it would include a scientific body to consider evidence and provide access to any data on the environment.” Oh really? Considering the treatment of scientists skeptical of the man made global warming theory, I very seriously doubt anyone who does not adhere to the global warming dogma would be given a seat at the table. And I am curious to see which “public figures” he would advocate to serve on the court, perhaps actress Judi Dench, one of the public figures sited as supporting the creation of this body? Who knew she was such an environmental expert… or perhaps she just played one on TV.