The session brought together leading experts in law, sustainability, and human rights to examine how courts, institutions, and policy frameworks are addressing the climate crisis and integrating environmental protection into the broader human rights agenda.
The discussion highlighted the growing recognition of environmental rights within national, regional, and international systems, emphasising that fundamental rights and environmental protection are now inseparable.
Dame Jane Goodall, renowned zoologist, primatologist, anthropologist and United Nations Messenger of Peace, opened the session with a message on humanity’s shared responsibility to the planet. She highlighted the need to protect nature not only for he sake of wildlife but also for future generations, stressing that environmental laws play a crucial role in supporting those working to safeguard and restore the natural world. Dr Goodall expressed her appreciation to the European Law Institute for organising the conference, adding that she was confident it would ‘greatly advance international legal cooperation’. Watch message here.
Andreas Wolter, Mayor of Cologne and President of Climate Alliance, followed with an outline the organisation’s work in advancing sustainable practices across Europe. He explained that the Alliance, one of Europe’s largest city networks with over 2,000 members from 26 countries, promotes fair, local, and resource-conscious climate action. By encouraging local sourcing and resource efficiency, it helps municipalities strengthen resilience to crises and shift from fossil-free energy use toward broader climate adaptation strategies.
Sírpa Rautio, Director of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, brought a human rights and institutional perspective, stressing that the energy transition must be inclusive and transparent to ensure a fair and rights-based approach to sustainability.
Georg E Kodek, President of the Austrian Supreme Court, reflected on the judiciary’s role, noting that courts do not choose their cases but must interpret and apply the law as it evolves. He emphasised that while legal development is continuous, it must remain grounded in law even when addressing overarching goals such as environmental protection.
The session was moderated by Owen Bowcott, former journalist at The Guardian, and concluded with a rich exchange on how fundamental rights can guide the legal and institutional response to the global environmental challenge.
