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Palmer, Dr Kenneth --- "Foreword" [2012] NZJlEnvLaw 1; (2012) 16 NZJEL v

Last Updated: 29 January 2023

FOREWORD

In 2012, the meetings on the Kyoto Protocol confirmed the objectives of sustainable management, and a desire to address issues of global warming and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. These environmental issues continue to dominate at the international level. The relationship between human rights, economic wellbeing and environmental protection has become a pervasive feature of international commitments.

In this issue of the Journal, Vivien Deloge considers progress within the European Union of the realisation of the human right to water. Mark Clemson assesses the scope of and international recognition of human rights, with particular reference to access to energy. Rachel Kendall addresses the effects of climate change with regard to land security in the Pacific Islands, and UN responsibility. Matters of public participation are a focus of the article by Elizabeth Toomey, with a case study of the regulatory events following the Canterbury earthquake in New Zealand. Benjamen F Gussen addresses governance theory and the marginalisation of localism, and the importance of localism as a response to the ecological crisis. Michelle van Kampen assesses the adequacy of mining regulation within New Zealand, being an important and timely issue in respect of safety. Yangmay Downing analyses the practice of hydraulic fracturing in mining, and the risks of negative environmental effects and matters of civil liability. Ezekiel Hudspith provides a broad analysis of freshwater sustainability, policy and management in New Zealand. Finally, Julia Harker, Prue Taylor and Stephen Knight­Lenihan analyse and critique government policy regarding land transport management, funding and sustainability.

The academic contribution of the respective authors is gratefully acknowl­ edged. In relation to production, the editor wishes to acknowledge the excellent subediting input by a team of senior law students comprising Katherine Allen, Annie Cao, Ella Kay, Sacha Norrie and Annabel Venning. Further acknowledgements are made to Mike Wagg as the principal subeditor, and to Amy Tansell of Words Alive for the final layout of the Journal.

The collegial support of the New Zealand Centre for Environmental Law and from the academic and professional staff of the Law School of The University of Auckland is also acknowledged.

Dr Kenneth Palmer

Editor

Faculty of Law

The University of Auckland December 2012