How IBA is Leading the Charge Against Climate Change and Championing Legal Sustainability

To celebrate the 2025 United Nations World Environment Day on June 5th, the International Bar Association (IBA) is highlighting the legal profession’s role in tackling climate change and promoting sustainability. IBA President Jaime Carey emphasizes the importance of lawyers in shaping environmental policies for governments and businesses.

Lawyers around the world are sharing their expertise to address the climate crisis. They are producing reports, guides, webinars, and more, all available for free on the IBA website. A dedicated hub page gathers these resources in one place.

Recent IBA initiatives include:

– The creation of the IBA Climate Registry, showcasing sustainability efforts of bar associations and law societies.
– An online discussion with nearly 50 bar associations about challenges and opportunities in implementing climate action, supported by major associations, including the American Bar Association.
– A report titled Roundtable on bar association climate initiatives, summarizing insights from the discussion.
– The IBA African Regional Forum launched the IBA ESG Accelerator Training Programme, covering key sustainability topics for legal practitioners.
– A webinar by the Business Human Rights Committee, analyzing the EU’s Omnibus Package impacts on environmental and human rights.

The IBA also plans various events to foster discussions on environmental issues. Upcoming gatherings include:

– June 18: A training event in Paris focused on sustainability reporting.
– June 19: The IBA Annual ESG Conference.
– June 23: A side event during the UNFCCC Bonn Climate Change Conference, discussing the role of lawyers in climate action.
– June 25: A session during London Climate Action Week on understanding climate risks.

In addition, biodiversity and climate change will be major topics at the IBA Annual Conference in November in Toronto.

As we mark World Environment Day, with a focus on ending plastic pollution, lawyers globally advocate for the UN Environment Assembly‘s resolution to develop a treaty against plastic pollution.

Ultimately, the legal profession plays a critical role in shaping a more sustainable future. As climate challenges grow, the need for informed and proactive legal guidance becomes even clearer.



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