U.S. Environmental Cases in International Human Rights Forums

This chapter introduces the right to a healthy environment in international human rights law and discusses its relevance to environmental justice. Although international law is not directly enforceable in U.S. courts, international human rights bodies with jurisdiction over the United States are playing a crucial role in supporting domestic environmental advocacy. The chapter includes numerous examples of reports and decisions by international human rights bodies that have raised the profile of U.S. environmental disputes, amplified the voices of local communities, and created pressure for change. The teaching exercises are designed to give students hands-on experience with international human rights advocacy in environmental matters.