ABSTRACT
In the last 30 years the topic of international environmental law has assumed an increasing prominence. However, it would be wrong to think of the topic as a distinct subject with its own terminology;2 traditional concepts such as the principle of territorial sovereignty and the doctrine of state responsibility have a continuing role to play. Nevertheless, there has been a steady increase in the number of institutional structures and the volume of treaty law. The area of international environmental law is indeed extensive and embraces the problems posed by transboundary air pollution, the use of nuclear power and the carriage of hazardous waste while also attempting to mitigate the damage posed by acid rain, ozone depletion, climate change and loss of biodiversity. The agenda is broad and ever increasing.
