The COP process of drafting an agreement, based on consensus decision making among almost 200 states and the ensuing diplomatic currency of long-term “promissory notes,” is deeply flawed, dilatory, and thus agonizingly ineffective. So, obviously, much more needs to be done immediately if the world is to avoid the worst ravages of accelerating climate crisis. In view of this, this article will highlight three more strategic directions that we must now emphasize and urgently develop, since all already exist and are “in play” in an incipient though often woefully under-utilized form.
Specifically, this article will recommend the immediate mobilization of international organizations or organs within the UN system, regional organizations, states, courts, and civil societies to embark upon, or urgently emphasize: 1a) The creation of a global legal framework to protect the world’s environment, including the Earth’s atmosphere; 1b) Enforce international or domestic environmental laws in domestic courts as the sine qua non of legitimate state sovereignty; 2) Utilize the UN Security Council to adopt an Earth Armistice and other measures necessary to prevent any situation caused by climate change that might threaten international peace and security; 3) Develop and deploy the latest carbon sequestration and Negative Emission Technologies (NETs). While carbon cuts are essential in the struggle against overwhelming climate change, rapidly strengthening and developing these three strategic directions, as well as other effective initiatives, now becomes critical if we are to survive the coming ravages of the climate crisis.
