Waterworld: Climate change, Statehood and the right to self-determination

Abstract

The right to self-determination in international law grew out of the period of decolonisation from European imperialism. It has since developed a new life in respect of the emergence of States, particularly in Europe, as well as indigenous peoples and minorities more generally, specifically in Latin America and Africa. This chapter argues that the right to self-determination should further develop so as to address the new plight of small island States facing the prospect of inundation by rising sea levels resulting from climate change.