Dave-Inder Comar
@daveindercomar.bsky.social
Attorney and PhD candidate at the Grotius Centre for Intl Legal Studies at Leiden🌞🌍⚖️
Researching self-determination and climate change👨🏾💼
🌳 I also advise smart, principled people and companies that are impacting the world
Researching self-determination and climate change👨🏾💼
🌳 I also advise smart, principled people and companies that are impacting the world
Pinned
Reintroducing myself 🙌🏽
I’m a lawyer in private practice currently getting my PhD in international law with a focus on climate change impacts.
My specific area of research looks at the self-determination of peoples in an era of planetary threats 🌍
🧵🪡
I’m a lawyer in private practice currently getting my PhD in international law with a focus on climate change impacts.
My specific area of research looks at the self-determination of peoples in an era of planetary threats 🌍
🧵🪡
Climate disruption, environmental destruction, biodiversity collapse, and the breach of planetary boundaries are all related. Addressing this crisis must become the paramount goal of government at this time.
daveindercomar.substack.com/p/what-gover...
daveindercomar.substack.com/p/what-gover...
December 24, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Climate disruption, environmental destruction, biodiversity collapse, and the breach of planetary boundaries are all related. Addressing this crisis must become the paramount goal of government at this time.
daveindercomar.substack.com/p/what-gover...
daveindercomar.substack.com/p/what-gover...
Democratic government is never a lost cause. Rebuilding our frayed democracies to address planetary threats, including climate change, is the most important project of our lifetimes, and probably the most important human project of the last 10,000 years.
December 23, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Democratic government is never a lost cause. Rebuilding our frayed democracies to address planetary threats, including climate change, is the most important project of our lifetimes, and probably the most important human project of the last 10,000 years.
This year, international legal experts concluded that States facing sea level rise should have resource entitlements and statehood preserved.
This is an important conclusion. It should open the door to larger conversations about accountability and reparation from high emissions States.
This is an important conclusion. It should open the door to larger conversations about accountability and reparation from high emissions States.
December 19, 2025 at 8:09 PM
This year, international legal experts concluded that States facing sea level rise should have resource entitlements and statehood preserved.
This is an important conclusion. It should open the door to larger conversations about accountability and reparation from high emissions States.
This is an important conclusion. It should open the door to larger conversations about accountability and reparation from high emissions States.
Climate "overshoot" represents a major crisis in politics and governance.
There is no plan at present for tipping points.
There is no discussion about climate stability writ large
Overshoot will require a level of crisis planning and discussion that we are largely unwilling to have at present.
There is no plan at present for tipping points.
There is no discussion about climate stability writ large
Overshoot will require a level of crisis planning and discussion that we are largely unwilling to have at present.
December 19, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Climate "overshoot" represents a major crisis in politics and governance.
There is no plan at present for tipping points.
There is no discussion about climate stability writ large
Overshoot will require a level of crisis planning and discussion that we are largely unwilling to have at present.
There is no plan at present for tipping points.
There is no discussion about climate stability writ large
Overshoot will require a level of crisis planning and discussion that we are largely unwilling to have at present.
In thinking about the just transition, two important precedents come to mind. The first is the movement to end trans-Atlantic slavery. The second is decolonization.
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
December 17, 2025 at 9:29 PM
In thinking about the just transition, two important precedents come to mind. The first is the movement to end trans-Atlantic slavery. The second is decolonization.
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
Ending global warming, and returning to a habitable planet, will require a political vision and political framework of deep-seated transformation. Abolitionism and decolonization are essential precedents.
daveindercomar.substack.com/p/the-vision...
daveindercomar.substack.com/p/the-vision...
December 17, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Ending global warming, and returning to a habitable planet, will require a political vision and political framework of deep-seated transformation. Abolitionism and decolonization are essential precedents.
daveindercomar.substack.com/p/the-vision...
daveindercomar.substack.com/p/the-vision...
Climate impacts aggravate pre-existing fault lines of exploitation and discrimination. Vulnerable communities bear disproportionate burdens.
The societies that ensure equal rights, non-discrimination, and democratic accountability are likely to be far more climate resilient than those that don't.
The societies that ensure equal rights, non-discrimination, and democratic accountability are likely to be far more climate resilient than those that don't.
December 17, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Climate impacts aggravate pre-existing fault lines of exploitation and discrimination. Vulnerable communities bear disproportionate burdens.
The societies that ensure equal rights, non-discrimination, and democratic accountability are likely to be far more climate resilient than those that don't.
The societies that ensure equal rights, non-discrimination, and democratic accountability are likely to be far more climate resilient than those that don't.
Essential reading from @insideclimatenews.org about environmental devastation in Gaza.
insideclimatenews.org/news/1212202...
insideclimatenews.org/news/1212202...
Gaza Faces Another Catastrophic Winter as Environmental and Humanitarian Devastation Mount - Inside Climate News
While Israel restricts lifesaving aid and multiple reports show it violating the ceasefire, Gazans suffer flooded tents, starvation, pollution and disease.
insideclimatenews.org
December 17, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Essential reading from @insideclimatenews.org about environmental devastation in Gaza.
insideclimatenews.org/news/1212202...
insideclimatenews.org/news/1212202...
I wrote this short post on the emergence of 'digital samsara' — a new system of suffering now being built, that is preventing us from taking care of each other and the planet.
I welcome any feedback ⭐
medium.com/@daveinderco...
I welcome any feedback ⭐
medium.com/@daveinderco...
Digital Samsara
Short update and note: It’s been a while since I’ve written on Medium! I’m currently writing about climate, politics, and human rights on…
medium.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:06 PM
I wrote this short post on the emergence of 'digital samsara' — a new system of suffering now being built, that is preventing us from taking care of each other and the planet.
I welcome any feedback ⭐
medium.com/@daveinderco...
I welcome any feedback ⭐
medium.com/@daveinderco...
Stabilizing the climate will require confronting deep-seated power imbalances in the international order.
It will require enforcing international law.
It will require courageous policy choices from less powerful and vulnerable States.
It will require enforcing international law.
It will require courageous policy choices from less powerful and vulnerable States.
December 8, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Stabilizing the climate will require confronting deep-seated power imbalances in the international order.
It will require enforcing international law.
It will require courageous policy choices from less powerful and vulnerable States.
It will require enforcing international law.
It will require courageous policy choices from less powerful and vulnerable States.
The U.S. has created a 'state of exception' in international law, rejecting application of rules that constrain its power
We will not be able to address planetary crises such as climate change if we do not address this underlying issue
Stabilizing the climate requires enforcing international law
We will not be able to address planetary crises such as climate change if we do not address this underlying issue
Stabilizing the climate requires enforcing international law
December 8, 2025 at 1:29 PM
The U.S. has created a 'state of exception' in international law, rejecting application of rules that constrain its power
We will not be able to address planetary crises such as climate change if we do not address this underlying issue
Stabilizing the climate requires enforcing international law
We will not be able to address planetary crises such as climate change if we do not address this underlying issue
Stabilizing the climate requires enforcing international law
Separation of powers, judicial review, and restraints on executive power are bedrock democratic norms now facing existential threats
Without democracy, we will find ourselves in autocratic systems that will not protect human rights
Such systems will also lack the ability to halt climate disruption
Without democracy, we will find ourselves in autocratic systems that will not protect human rights
Such systems will also lack the ability to halt climate disruption
December 7, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Separation of powers, judicial review, and restraints on executive power are bedrock democratic norms now facing existential threats
Without democracy, we will find ourselves in autocratic systems that will not protect human rights
Such systems will also lack the ability to halt climate disruption
Without democracy, we will find ourselves in autocratic systems that will not protect human rights
Such systems will also lack the ability to halt climate disruption
Human rights law has made incredible strides on climate and environmental issues — including the critical recognition of a right to a healthy environment.
Enforcing human rights law could lead to real change on climate issues.
Protecting democracy and human rights is a form of climate action.
Enforcing human rights law could lead to real change on climate issues.
Protecting democracy and human rights is a form of climate action.
December 7, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Human rights law has made incredible strides on climate and environmental issues — including the critical recognition of a right to a healthy environment.
Enforcing human rights law could lead to real change on climate issues.
Protecting democracy and human rights is a form of climate action.
Enforcing human rights law could lead to real change on climate issues.
Protecting democracy and human rights is a form of climate action.
Great summary of the current mood amongst governments who are part of the International Criminal Court — vocal solidarity with the court, but a lot unsaid about the future.
The world needs a resilient, functioning, and independent International Criminal Court
justiceinconflict.org/2025/12/04/t...
The world needs a resilient, functioning, and independent International Criminal Court
justiceinconflict.org/2025/12/04/t...
Signs of resilience amidst troubling times in The Hague: Some thoughts on the good and the bad from this year’s Assembly of States Parties
ICC President Tomoko Akane speaks at the ASP (Photo: Mark Kersten) “We will continue our work undeterred.” That was the message from senior staff and prosecutors at the yearly Assembly …
justiceinconflict.org
December 7, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Great summary of the current mood amongst governments who are part of the International Criminal Court — vocal solidarity with the court, but a lot unsaid about the future.
The world needs a resilient, functioning, and independent International Criminal Court
justiceinconflict.org/2025/12/04/t...
The world needs a resilient, functioning, and independent International Criminal Court
justiceinconflict.org/2025/12/04/t...
Iceland declaring AMOC collapse a national security threat is a major geopolitical wake up call.
I suspect many governments are analyzing tipping points and climate disruption. The Icelandic government should be commended for being public about their perspective ⭐️
I suspect many governments are analyzing tipping points and climate disruption. The Icelandic government should be commended for being public about their perspective ⭐️
November 29, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Iceland declaring AMOC collapse a national security threat is a major geopolitical wake up call.
I suspect many governments are analyzing tipping points and climate disruption. The Icelandic government should be commended for being public about their perspective ⭐️
I suspect many governments are analyzing tipping points and climate disruption. The Icelandic government should be commended for being public about their perspective ⭐️
“Be the master of yourself” is essential advice for working in climate. The stable Holocene is over, and humanity is entering a warm period that will challenge all aspects of civilization. This is mind-bending work, filled with rough days.
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
Climate equanimity
Equanimity is a much needed virtue in addressing climate change, and can help us imagine a return to a habitable planet
open.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 5:22 PM
“Be the master of yourself” is essential advice for working in climate. The stable Holocene is over, and humanity is entering a warm period that will challenge all aspects of civilization. This is mind-bending work, filled with rough days.
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
Equanimity is a virtue I try to cultivate in my work on climate change. There is no spiritual handbook for dealing with planetary crises. We must focus and dedicate ourselves to the work with an even mind, without anxiety for the outcome of our work
daveindercomar.substack.com/p/climate-eq...
daveindercomar.substack.com/p/climate-eq...
Climate equanimity
Equanimity is a much needed virtue in addressing climate change, and can help us imagine a return to a habitable planet
daveindercomar.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Equanimity is a virtue I try to cultivate in my work on climate change. There is no spiritual handbook for dealing with planetary crises. We must focus and dedicate ourselves to the work with an even mind, without anxiety for the outcome of our work
daveindercomar.substack.com/p/climate-eq...
daveindercomar.substack.com/p/climate-eq...
The Earth itself is now a political actor in the context of climate change.
It's "will" is simple—it seeks a new homeostasis in response to planet-changing emissions.
Climate impacts themselves are political. Loss of territory and resources and mass displacement will disrupt governments.
It's "will" is simple—it seeks a new homeostasis in response to planet-changing emissions.
Climate impacts themselves are political. Loss of territory and resources and mass displacement will disrupt governments.
November 25, 2025 at 5:12 PM
The Earth itself is now a political actor in the context of climate change.
It's "will" is simple—it seeks a new homeostasis in response to planet-changing emissions.
Climate impacts themselves are political. Loss of territory and resources and mass displacement will disrupt governments.
It's "will" is simple—it seeks a new homeostasis in response to planet-changing emissions.
Climate impacts themselves are political. Loss of territory and resources and mass displacement will disrupt governments.
The more planet-changing emissions that humans produce, the greater the abyss between Holocene-like conditions and any future homeostatic resting state.
November 25, 2025 at 5:10 PM
The more planet-changing emissions that humans produce, the greater the abyss between Holocene-like conditions and any future homeostatic resting state.
If you haven't read the Global Tipping Points report (2025), it is essential reading.
global-tipping-points.org/download/1418/
global-tipping-points.org/download/1418/
global-tipping-points.org
November 24, 2025 at 12:04 PM
If you haven't read the Global Tipping Points report (2025), it is essential reading.
global-tipping-points.org/download/1418/
global-tipping-points.org/download/1418/
The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is one of the most important initiatives in international law right now.
The transition off of fossil fuels will require new kinds of global coalitions and a new vision of global cooperation
The transition off of fossil fuels will require new kinds of global coalitions and a new vision of global cooperation
November 24, 2025 at 10:40 AM
The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is one of the most important initiatives in international law right now.
The transition off of fossil fuels will require new kinds of global coalitions and a new vision of global cooperation
The transition off of fossil fuels will require new kinds of global coalitions and a new vision of global cooperation
Governments must radically cooperate to stop and check an Earth that is rapidly warming. Cooperation includes:
—ending the era of fossil fuels
—preparing for novel planetary conditions
—ensuring the protection of human rights
—net-negative emissions policies
—ending the era of fossil fuels
—preparing for novel planetary conditions
—ensuring the protection of human rights
—net-negative emissions policies
November 23, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Governments must radically cooperate to stop and check an Earth that is rapidly warming. Cooperation includes:
—ending the era of fossil fuels
—preparing for novel planetary conditions
—ensuring the protection of human rights
—net-negative emissions policies
—ending the era of fossil fuels
—preparing for novel planetary conditions
—ensuring the protection of human rights
—net-negative emissions policies
Awakened Earth must be treated as a political actor, with a “will” of its own. This “will” is simple—Awakened Earth seeks a new homeostatic state.
The more emissions that humans produce, the greater the abyss between present conditions and any future resting state
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
The more emissions that humans produce, the greater the abyss between present conditions and any future resting state
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
November 23, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Awakened Earth must be treated as a political actor, with a “will” of its own. This “will” is simple—Awakened Earth seeks a new homeostatic state.
The more emissions that humans produce, the greater the abyss between present conditions and any future resting state
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
The more emissions that humans produce, the greater the abyss between present conditions and any future resting state
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
Is it time to treat Earth as a political actor, with a "will"? I think so. Emissions have disrupted the Holocene, and the Earth is seeking a new homeostasis.
Governments must organize to a confront a new actor that will challenge them, perhaps even topple them
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
Governments must organize to a confront a new actor that will challenge them, perhaps even topple them
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
November 23, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Is it time to treat Earth as a political actor, with a "will"? I think so. Emissions have disrupted the Holocene, and the Earth is seeking a new homeostasis.
Governments must organize to a confront a new actor that will challenge them, perhaps even topple them
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
Governments must organize to a confront a new actor that will challenge them, perhaps even topple them
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
We need ethical and spiritual philosophies today that can guide us to environmental and social regeneration, restoring balance with the planet, protecting the equal dignity of all people, and stewardship for future generations.
The climate crisis is, among many other things, a spiritual crisis.🌍
The climate crisis is, among many other things, a spiritual crisis.🌍
November 12, 2025 at 1:55 PM
We need ethical and spiritual philosophies today that can guide us to environmental and social regeneration, restoring balance with the planet, protecting the equal dignity of all people, and stewardship for future generations.
The climate crisis is, among many other things, a spiritual crisis.🌍
The climate crisis is, among many other things, a spiritual crisis.🌍