Die Europäische Union als Vorreiter in der Bekämpfung der fortschreitenden Kunststoffverschmutzung der Meeresumwelt journal article Die Richtlinie über die negativen Umweltauswirkungen von Einwegkunststoffartikeln und Fanggeräten Liv Christiansen Zeitschrift für Europäisches Umwelt- und Planungsrecht, Volume 17 (2019), Issue 4, Page 530 - 538 The fact that plastic has become more and more of a problem in terms of the pollution of the environment, especially the marine environment has been in the focus of international organisations, politics and the media. Despite the increasing awareness, legally binding instruments have not been adopted so far. The European Union has identified plastic as one of the major pollutants of the marine environment in the EU and thus included it in its Action plans for a circular economy. Over the last couple of years, the EU adopted several Directives that focus on the prevention of plastic waste. The newest Directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment tackles the increasing pollution by identifying the most found plastic items on EU Beaches, which are single-use-plastic-products and consequently regulating them comprehensively. Another focal point of this new Directive is the further regulation of fishing gear that has been left behind or abandoned, sometimes also referred to as “ghost nets”. The Article gives an overview of the problem of marine plastic pollution and observes how the new directive intends to improve the momentary situation.
Schifffahrt in der Arktis journal article Das Völkerrecht als Vermittler zwischen ökonomischem Potenzial und ökologischem Risiko Kristina Schönfeldt Zeitschrift für Europäisches Umwelt- und Planungsrecht, Volume 15 (2017), Issue 3, Page 206 - 223 The pristine Arctic is an increasingly important region facing major challenges caused not only by the effects of climate change, but also by a growing interest in its living and non-living resources, its attraction as a new destination for tourism, and as a route for navigation. In particular the increase of commercial shipping leads to significant positive economic prospects but, at the same time, carries considerable risks for the fragile Arctic environment and the well-being of the local population, including indigenous people. By taking the example of the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, which was recently concluded under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization, it will be shown how instruments of international law are necessary and adequate to ensure that all those engaged in shipping and maritime transportation in the Arctic comply with strict standards of safety and environmental protection. In addition, remaining regulatory gaps will be revealed and possible solutions will be addressed.
Ausnahmen und Abweichungen von Zielen der Raumordnung – Effektive Instrumente eines neuen „Deutschlandtempos“? Martin Beckmann
