How can the rule of law accelerate climate action and protect nature at scale?

Laura Clarke of ClientEarth explains why legal frameworks - and the people who use them - are among the most powerful tools for addressing the climate crisis. The law must be an essential pathway for safeguarding ecosystems and holding decision-makers to account.

Clarke outlines how strong environmental laws establish clearer responsibilities for governments, corporations, and communities. Litigation also plays a critical role: when citizens, NGOs, or indigenous groups bring cases against harmful practices, these legal challenges create precedent that can shift behaviour fand reshape the “rules of the game”.

ClientEarth works globally to support this growing movement of environmental defenders. In West and Central Africa, for example, they help local and indigenous communities use the law to improve forest governance, demand transparency in the timber trade, and secure stronger protection for vital ecosystems. Ensuring participatory decision-making, especially the involvement of women, is essential to achieving lasting outcomes.