ABSTRACT

Proponents of the concept of ecological integrity argue that it is a necessary component of global governance on which the sustainable future of the planet and its inhabitants depends. This book presents the latest research and current thinking on the role of ecological integrity in support of life on Earth and the importance of governance for the common good, or the benefit of all.

The book considers whether present forms of governance support the common good, or whether they are endangering its very foundations. It explores the connection between consumerism and capitalism, the destruction of natural resources and with it, the elimination of many of the ecosystem services that support life in general, and human life in particular. Chapters focus on the defence of human rights, and in particular the rights to key resources such as food, water and general health/wellbeing, as well as energy and security.

Topics covered include climate change, biodiversity, migration and conflict resolution, with approaches from various perspectives such as politics, ethics, sociology and law. Overall the book provides a stimulating insight into the multifaceted debates surrounding ecological integrity, global governance and sustainability.

chapter |7 pages

Introduction

The common good and the May 2015 papal encyclical

part I|88 pages

The common good and the right to food and water

chapter 1|11 pages

Bioeconomy

A challenge to integrity?

chapter 2|14 pages

Soil as a key to food security

Social perception of soil erosion in the Czech Republic (a case study)

chapter 4|12 pages

Food wars

Food, intangible cultural heritage and international trade

chapter 5|12 pages

The right to food between food security and food sovereignty

Different perspectives of the battle against genetically modified organisms

chapter 6|10 pages

Genetically modified crops and their impact on the environment

Creating a win–win for science and nature with a deontological legal framework

chapter 7|14 pages

The water–energy nexus

The role of water law

part II|53 pages

The common good, climate change and the right to health

part III|132 pages

The common good and democracy for environmental governance

chapter 13|12 pages

War, militarism and climate change

Time to connect the dots

chapter 15|15 pages

Climate-induced migration

What legal protection for climate migrants at the international level?

chapter 17|14 pages

Constitution and future generations

A new challenge for law's theory

chapter 19|16 pages

Migration with dignity for climate justice

The situation of small island developing states

chapter 20|12 pages

Weapons of mass distraction

chapter III|17 pages

Conclusion

Governing the commons – can states be trustees?