ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the existing state of regional international environmental law, explains the necessary objectives international law must pursue and the possibilities international law possesses of coping with existing and imminent dangers. European environmental regulations with specific and controlled obligations, although easier to achieve, will produce only a limited effect unless the sources of the pollution are identified and dealt with in the regulations. This consideration also underscores the necessity to rely on international law, as the natural environment does not necessarily correspond to national borders. The actual structure of international law is based on the traditional system of "reciprocity, prohibition, and sanctions" and marked by a strong relational nature; accordingly, it cannot come to grips with frictions arising between one state and the global environment. The chapter concludes with a warning: One should expect not more from international law than states are prepared to put into it.
