Why fear of billion-dollar lawsuits stops countries phasing out fossil fuels
Briefly

The article discusses the implications of the investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) system, highlighting how mining companies use it to challenge government actions concerning environmental regulations. Examples from Romania, Italy, and Mexico showcase the backlash against mining initiatives and the subsequent legal battles that ensue, often resulting in hefty payouts by governments. This phenomenon illustrates a broader trend where the fear of ISDS litigation discourages governments from taking necessary actions to protect ecosystems, indicating a regulatory chill in environmental policy.
The chilling effect of ISDS is real; governments are hesitant to enforce environmental laws due to fears of legal repercussions from mining companies seeking profit.
Governments from various countries admit that the apprehension surrounding ISDS suits is influencing how they draft environmental regulations, even amidst rising ecological concerns.
Read at www.theguardian.com
[
|
]