Dr. David R. Boyd
@drdavidboyd.bsky.social
Professor, lawyer, author, activist, ultra-sport enthusiast, father, nature lover, and former UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment
The icing on the cake, and a true reveal of this government's priorities: the recent removal of the luxury goods tax on private jets and yachts.
Oh Canada, this is so ugly!!
Oh Canada, this is so ugly!!
November 28, 2025 at 1:10 AM
The icing on the cake, and a true reveal of this government's priorities: the recent removal of the luxury goods tax on private jets and yachts.
Oh Canada, this is so ugly!!
Oh Canada, this is so ugly!!
— may constitute an internationally wrongful act which is attributable to that State."
At a critical time, the world is rapidly embracing a clean energy future--solar, wind, batteries, heat pumps, electric transport--so Canada's new policies are not only bad for the global climate but the economy.
At a critical time, the world is rapidly embracing a clean energy future--solar, wind, batteries, heat pumps, electric transport--so Canada's new policies are not only bad for the global climate but the economy.
November 28, 2025 at 1:10 AM
— may constitute an internationally wrongful act which is attributable to that State."
At a critical time, the world is rapidly embracing a clean energy future--solar, wind, batteries, heat pumps, electric transport--so Canada's new policies are not only bad for the global climate but the economy.
At a critical time, the world is rapidly embracing a clean energy future--solar, wind, batteries, heat pumps, electric transport--so Canada's new policies are not only bad for the global climate but the economy.
Int'l Court of Justice: "Failure of a State to take appropriate action to protect the climate system from GHG emissions — including through fossil fuel production, fossil fuel consumption, the granting of fossil fuel exploration licences or the provision of fossil fuel subsidies ...
November 28, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Int'l Court of Justice: "Failure of a State to take appropriate action to protect the climate system from GHG emissions — including through fossil fuel production, fossil fuel consumption, the granting of fossil fuel exploration licences or the provision of fossil fuel subsidies ...
Canada's regressive new climate policies violate international law.
New oil pipeline, gut Clean Electricity Standard (to phase out coal), kill consumer carbon tax, eliminate EV sales mandate, kill oil & gas sector emissions cap, increase fossil fuel subsidies, kill coastal oil shipping moratorium,
New oil pipeline, gut Clean Electricity Standard (to phase out coal), kill consumer carbon tax, eliminate EV sales mandate, kill oil & gas sector emissions cap, increase fossil fuel subsidies, kill coastal oil shipping moratorium,
November 28, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Canada's regressive new climate policies violate international law.
New oil pipeline, gut Clean Electricity Standard (to phase out coal), kill consumer carbon tax, eliminate EV sales mandate, kill oil & gas sector emissions cap, increase fossil fuel subsidies, kill coastal oil shipping moratorium,
New oil pipeline, gut Clean Electricity Standard (to phase out coal), kill consumer carbon tax, eliminate EV sales mandate, kill oil & gas sector emissions cap, increase fossil fuel subsidies, kill coastal oil shipping moratorium,
#3 eliminating the Underused Housing Tax, a move which will only benefit foreign millionaires
#4 #3 detaining former UN human rights experts (Richard Falk and Hilal Elver) at the border as national security risks ... Richard is a 95 year-old retired academic!
#4 #3 detaining former UN human rights experts (Richard Falk and Hilal Elver) at the border as national security risks ... Richard is a 95 year-old retired academic!
November 17, 2025 at 4:15 PM
#3 eliminating the Underused Housing Tax, a move which will only benefit foreign millionaires
#4 #3 detaining former UN human rights experts (Richard Falk and Hilal Elver) at the border as national security risks ... Richard is a 95 year-old retired academic!
#4 #3 detaining former UN human rights experts (Richard Falk and Hilal Elver) at the border as national security risks ... Richard is a 95 year-old retired academic!
I am furious with Canada's government. Why?
#1 betraying climate commitments (ending carbon tax, failing to cap oil and gas emissions, fast-tracking fossil fuel projects)
#2 worsening inequality, by scrapping changes to capital gains tax and eliminating the luxury tax on yachts and private jets
#1 betraying climate commitments (ending carbon tax, failing to cap oil and gas emissions, fast-tracking fossil fuel projects)
#2 worsening inequality, by scrapping changes to capital gains tax and eliminating the luxury tax on yachts and private jets
November 17, 2025 at 4:15 PM
I am furious with Canada's government. Why?
#1 betraying climate commitments (ending carbon tax, failing to cap oil and gas emissions, fast-tracking fossil fuel projects)
#2 worsening inequality, by scrapping changes to capital gains tax and eliminating the luxury tax on yachts and private jets
#1 betraying climate commitments (ending carbon tax, failing to cap oil and gas emissions, fast-tracking fossil fuel projects)
#2 worsening inequality, by scrapping changes to capital gains tax and eliminating the luxury tax on yachts and private jets
Looking forward to this Climate Solutions event on Thursday!
Our Annual Kickoff Event on Thursday will have doors open at 2pm, join us for networking to meet with leading and upcoming voices on climate issues at UBC. Meet new people and see familiar faces, share your expertise and connect with others.
Register here:
climatesolutions.ubc.ca/news-and-eve...
Register here:
climatesolutions.ubc.ca/news-and-eve...
Climate Solutions Research Collective Annual Kickoff - Featuring David Boyd
Join the Climate Solutions Research Collective for the launch of its third year as we gather with colleagues to discuss critical issues related to climate solutions and how the community can contribut...
climatesolutions.ubc.ca
September 9, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Looking forward to this Climate Solutions event on Thursday!
Reposted by Dr. David R. Boyd
Join @drdavidboyd.bsky.social's talk next week on this summer's powerful legal updates on the right to a healthy environment!
📍September 11, 2025 | CIRS BC Hydro Theatre
2:00 – 2:30 pm Networking (in-person)
2:30 – 3:30 pm Presentation (in-person and online)
climatesolutions.ubc.ca/news-and-eve...
📍September 11, 2025 | CIRS BC Hydro Theatre
2:00 – 2:30 pm Networking (in-person)
2:30 – 3:30 pm Presentation (in-person and online)
climatesolutions.ubc.ca/news-and-eve...
September 3, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Join @drdavidboyd.bsky.social's talk next week on this summer's powerful legal updates on the right to a healthy environment!
📍September 11, 2025 | CIRS BC Hydro Theatre
2:00 – 2:30 pm Networking (in-person)
2:30 – 3:30 pm Presentation (in-person and online)
climatesolutions.ubc.ca/news-and-eve...
📍September 11, 2025 | CIRS BC Hydro Theatre
2:00 – 2:30 pm Networking (in-person)
2:30 – 3:30 pm Presentation (in-person and online)
climatesolutions.ubc.ca/news-and-eve...
are required to guarantee the effective enjoyment of such rights, it is difficult to see how these obligations can be fulfilled without at the same time ensuring the protection of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right. "
September 9, 2025 at 7:22 PM
are required to guarantee the effective enjoyment of such rights, it is difficult to see how these obligations can be fulfilled without at the same time ensuring the protection of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right. "
Surely the time for excuses and delays is over. The Council of Europe must finally adopt a protocol recognizing the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. As the International Court of Justice unanimously concluded, "in so far as States parties to human rights treaties ...
The call comes from within – again!
Last Friday, the Committee on Social Affairs, Health & Sustainable Development of the @coe.int called for the legal protection of the right to a healthy environment! 🌍
pace.coe.int/en/news/9992...
1/5
Last Friday, the Committee on Social Affairs, Health & Sustainable Development of the @coe.int called for the legal protection of the right to a healthy environment! 🌍
pace.coe.int/en/news/9992...
1/5
Commitee calls on the Council of Europe to assume its role in addressing climate change and its impact on our fundamental rights
The Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development notes with grave concern that Europe has entered an era in which climate-related disasters are becoming structural: persistent droug...
https://pace.coe.int/en/news/9992/commitee-calls-on-the-council-of-europe-to-assume[%E2%80%A6]essing-climate-change-and-its-impact-on-our-fundamental-rights
September 9, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Surely the time for excuses and delays is over. The Council of Europe must finally adopt a protocol recognizing the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. As the International Court of Justice unanimously concluded, "in so far as States parties to human rights treaties ...
Reposted by Dr. David R. Boyd
The call comes from within – again!
Last Friday, the Committee on Social Affairs, Health & Sustainable Development of the @coe.int called for the legal protection of the right to a healthy environment! 🌍
pace.coe.int/en/news/9992...
1/5
Last Friday, the Committee on Social Affairs, Health & Sustainable Development of the @coe.int called for the legal protection of the right to a healthy environment! 🌍
pace.coe.int/en/news/9992...
1/5
Commitee calls on the Council of Europe to assume its role in addressing climate change and its impact on our fundamental rights
The Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development notes with grave concern that Europe has entered an era in which climate-related disasters are becoming structural: persistent droug...
https://pace.coe.int/en/news/9992/commitee-calls-on-the-council-of-europe-to-assume[%E2%80%A6]essing-climate-change-and-its-impact-on-our-fundamental-rights
September 9, 2025 at 12:09 PM
The call comes from within – again!
Last Friday, the Committee on Social Affairs, Health & Sustainable Development of the @coe.int called for the legal protection of the right to a healthy environment! 🌍
pace.coe.int/en/news/9992...
1/5
Last Friday, the Committee on Social Affairs, Health & Sustainable Development of the @coe.int called for the legal protection of the right to a healthy environment! 🌍
pace.coe.int/en/news/9992...
1/5
-detoxify people’s bodies and the planet (A/HRC/49/53); and
-protect and restore the world's oceans (A/HRC/58/59).
These are obligations, not options.
-protect and restore the world's oceans (A/HRC/58/59).
These are obligations, not options.
August 13, 2025 at 4:45 PM
-detoxify people’s bodies and the planet (A/HRC/49/53); and
-protect and restore the world's oceans (A/HRC/58/59).
These are obligations, not options.
-protect and restore the world's oceans (A/HRC/58/59).
These are obligations, not options.
-phase out the use of coal, oil and natural gas by investing in renewable energy, energy storage and energy efficiency and assist climate vulnerable nations in adapting to the climate emergency (A/74/161);
-conserve, protect and restore biodiversity (A/75/161);
-conserve, protect and restore biodiversity (A/75/161);
August 13, 2025 at 4:45 PM
-phase out the use of coal, oil and natural gas by investing in renewable energy, energy storage and energy efficiency and assist climate vulnerable nations in adapting to the climate emergency (A/74/161);
-conserve, protect and restore biodiversity (A/75/161);
-conserve, protect and restore biodiversity (A/75/161);
-improve air quality by reducing both outdoor and household air pollution (A/HRC/40/55);
-ensure everyone has access to safe and sufficient water (A/HRC/46/28);
-transform industrial agriculture to produce healthy and sustainable food (A/76/179);
-ensure everyone has access to safe and sufficient water (A/HRC/46/28);
-transform industrial agriculture to produce healthy and sustainable food (A/76/179);
August 13, 2025 at 4:45 PM
-improve air quality by reducing both outdoor and household air pollution (A/HRC/40/55);
-ensure everyone has access to safe and sufficient water (A/HRC/46/28);
-transform industrial agriculture to produce healthy and sustainable food (A/76/179);
-ensure everyone has access to safe and sufficient water (A/HRC/46/28);
-transform industrial agriculture to produce healthy and sustainable food (A/76/179);
The substantive obligations stemming from the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment can be found in previous reports by the Special Rapporteur, and confirmed by courts across the world. States must take immediate and ambitious rights-based action to:
August 13, 2025 at 4:45 PM
The substantive obligations stemming from the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment can be found in previous reports by the Special Rapporteur, and confirmed by courts across the world. States must take immediate and ambitious rights-based action to:
Reposted by Dr. David R. Boyd
July 2025 marked a significant milestone for climate justice as the human right to a healthy environment was recognized by top judicial authorities.
@drdavidboyd.bsky.social, IRES professor & former UN Special Rapporteur, discussed its implications:
🔗 verfassungsblog.de/icj-climate-...
@drdavidboyd.bsky.social, IRES professor & former UN Special Rapporteur, discussed its implications:
🔗 verfassungsblog.de/icj-climate-...
August 7, 2025 at 11:02 PM
July 2025 marked a significant milestone for climate justice as the human right to a healthy environment was recognized by top judicial authorities.
@drdavidboyd.bsky.social, IRES professor & former UN Special Rapporteur, discussed its implications:
🔗 verfassungsblog.de/icj-climate-...
@drdavidboyd.bsky.social, IRES professor & former UN Special Rapporteur, discussed its implications:
🔗 verfassungsblog.de/icj-climate-...
Big question
Has there ever been a more important court ruling than last week's advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice?
Facing an existential threat, the ICJ ruled that all States are obligated to protect the climate system by decarbonizing ASAP or polluters pay $
Has there ever been a more important court ruling than last week's advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice?
Facing an existential threat, the ICJ ruled that all States are obligated to protect the climate system by decarbonizing ASAP or polluters pay $
August 1, 2025 at 1:20 AM
Big question
Has there ever been a more important court ruling than last week's advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice?
Facing an existential threat, the ICJ ruled that all States are obligated to protect the climate system by decarbonizing ASAP or polluters pay $
Has there ever been a more important court ruling than last week's advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice?
Facing an existential threat, the ICJ ruled that all States are obligated to protect the climate system by decarbonizing ASAP or polluters pay $
Driven by youth and Small Island States, courts have made it clear that bold climate action and generous climate finance are legally binding obligations that States must fulfil to protect the climate system & protect human rights
verfassungsblog.de/icj-climate-...
verfassungsblog.de/right-to-a-h...
verfassungsblog.de/icj-climate-...
verfassungsblog.de/right-to-a-h...
A Right Foundational to Humanity’s Existence
verfassungsblog.de
July 31, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Driven by youth and Small Island States, courts have made it clear that bold climate action and generous climate finance are legally binding obligations that States must fulfil to protect the climate system & protect human rights
verfassungsblog.de/icj-climate-...
verfassungsblog.de/right-to-a-h...
verfassungsblog.de/icj-climate-...
verfassungsblog.de/right-to-a-h...
Reposted by Dr. David R. Boyd
🌍⚖️ The ICJ now recognizes the right to a healthy environment—a breakthrough for international climate justice.
Read the latest blog post by @drdavidboyd.bsky.social unpacks what this means for law, human rights, and environmental accountability.
🔗 buff.ly/hmYD5xA
#ICJ #HumanRights
Read the latest blog post by @drdavidboyd.bsky.social unpacks what this means for law, human rights, and environmental accountability.
🔗 buff.ly/hmYD5xA
#ICJ #HumanRights
July 30, 2025 at 8:58 PM
🌍⚖️ The ICJ now recognizes the right to a healthy environment—a breakthrough for international climate justice.
Read the latest blog post by @drdavidboyd.bsky.social unpacks what this means for law, human rights, and environmental accountability.
🔗 buff.ly/hmYD5xA
#ICJ #HumanRights
Read the latest blog post by @drdavidboyd.bsky.social unpacks what this means for law, human rights, and environmental accountability.
🔗 buff.ly/hmYD5xA
#ICJ #HumanRights
ICJ Advisory Opinion! This is an absolutely massive and historic day for climate justice! Huge thanks to Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change and World Youth for Climate Justice who deserve the Nobel Peace Prize for their role in this. Also kudos to Vanuatu for incredible leadership!
July 23, 2025 at 3:03 PM
ICJ Advisory Opinion! This is an absolutely massive and historic day for climate justice! Huge thanks to Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change and World Youth for Climate Justice who deserve the Nobel Peace Prize for their role in this. Also kudos to Vanuatu for incredible leadership!
Reposted by Dr. David R. Boyd
New from me: How China's clean energy manufacturing boom is helping reduce CO2 emissions overseas. In 2024, China’s exports of solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles are shaved 1% off global emissions outside of China.
NEW – Analysis: China’s clean-energy exports in 2024 alone will cut overseas CO2 by 1% | @laurimyllyvirta.bsky.social
Read here: buff.ly/V7BVSsL
Read here: buff.ly/V7BVSsL
July 22, 2025 at 5:05 AM
New from me: How China's clean energy manufacturing boom is helping reduce CO2 emissions overseas. In 2024, China’s exports of solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles are shaved 1% off global emissions outside of China.
Reposted by Dr. David R. Boyd
‼️ 🌍⚖️NEW POST: @drdavidboyd.bsky.social discusses 3 points on the advisory opinion—the right to a healthy climate, the rights of Nature, & the recognition of a new jus cogens norm prohibiting massive & irreversible damage to the climate & environment.
Read ➡️ blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechang...
Read ➡️ blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechang...
July 21, 2025 at 7:14 PM
‼️ 🌍⚖️NEW POST: @drdavidboyd.bsky.social discusses 3 points on the advisory opinion—the right to a healthy climate, the rights of Nature, & the recognition of a new jus cogens norm prohibiting massive & irreversible damage to the climate & environment.
Read ➡️ blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechang...
Read ➡️ blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechang...
Reposted by Dr. David R. Boyd
Tomorrow, the #ICJ rules on climate justice - and #FossilFuels are finally on trial.
Why does it matter? Our new blog explains why naming and phasing out fossil fuels is a legal and moral necessity.
Read more👉 bit.ly/4kPEEBU
#ClimateJustice
Why does it matter? Our new blog explains why naming and phasing out fossil fuels is a legal and moral necessity.
Read more👉 bit.ly/4kPEEBU
#ClimateJustice
The World’s Highest Court Can’t Ignore the World’s Biggest Climate Culprit: Fossil Fuels - Center for International Environmental Law
ICJ must name fossil fuels as the culprit in the climate crisis and declare States’ legal duty to phase them out and bring polluters to justice.
bit.ly
July 22, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Tomorrow, the #ICJ rules on climate justice - and #FossilFuels are finally on trial.
Why does it matter? Our new blog explains why naming and phasing out fossil fuels is a legal and moral necessity.
Read more👉 bit.ly/4kPEEBU
#ClimateJustice
Why does it matter? Our new blog explains why naming and phasing out fossil fuels is a legal and moral necessity.
Read more👉 bit.ly/4kPEEBU
#ClimateJustice
quarrying deep, if necessary, into its very bedrock. Seams of untold strength and richness lie therein, waiting to be quarried. Do these sources contain principles mightier than might alone, wherewith to govern the mightiest weapon of destruction yet devised?"
www.icj-cij.org/sites/defaul...
www.icj-cij.org/sites/defaul...
www.icj-cij.org
July 22, 2025 at 4:14 PM
quarrying deep, if necessary, into its very bedrock. Seams of untold strength and richness lie therein, waiting to be quarried. Do these sources contain principles mightier than might alone, wherewith to govern the mightiest weapon of destruction yet devised?"
www.icj-cij.org/sites/defaul...
www.icj-cij.org/sites/defaul...
I like this quote from Justice Weeramantry, from an earlier advisory opinion on the legality of using nuclear weapons:
"It is thus the gravest of possible issues which confronts the Court in this Advisory Opinion. It requires the Court to scrutinize every available source of international law, ...
"It is thus the gravest of possible issues which confronts the Court in this Advisory Opinion. It requires the Court to scrutinize every available source of international law, ...
July 22, 2025 at 4:14 PM
I like this quote from Justice Weeramantry, from an earlier advisory opinion on the legality of using nuclear weapons:
"It is thus the gravest of possible issues which confronts the Court in this Advisory Opinion. It requires the Court to scrutinize every available source of international law, ...
"It is thus the gravest of possible issues which confronts the Court in this Advisory Opinion. It requires the Court to scrutinize every available source of international law, ...