We are pleased to share the newly released second edition of Sustainable Development Law: Principles, Practices, and Prospects, authored by Professors Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger and Damilola S. Olawuyi and published by Oxford University Press. This comprehensive and practice-oriented volume offers an in-depth exploration of international sustainable development law, including critical legal developments across climate change, biodiversity, social equity, and economic sustainability. Significantly expanded and fully updated, the new edition provides detailed analyses of international treaties, legal principles, and policy instruments that shape the global sustainable development agenda today.
The book is available to order from the Oxford University Press website here.
From the Preface to the second edition:
This pioneering law and policy textbook is a testament to the progress we have
made and the work that lies ahead. It will undoubtedly inspire and equip a new
generation of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to champion the cause of
sustainable development and build a more just, equitable, and sustainable world
for all and is a call to action for all of us who believe in the power of law to create
positive change. – Amb. Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, WIJA, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme
There are several ways to already engage with the book as it is released:
1. Register for the Online Launch and Get a Discount Code
Please join us for the online global launch, “Tensions & Transformations: Teaching Sustainable Development Law in Turbulent Times” on 25 July 2025.
All registered participants will receive an exclusive discount code from Oxford University Press.
2. Author a Short Review in an Academic Journal, Blog, or Newsletter
If you or a colleague would like to write a review of the book for a journal, blog, or academic newsletter, we invite you to apply through a simple form for a free review copy here.
All review copies are sent at the discretion of Oxford University Press.
3. Recommend the Book to Your Institution or Library
Support our efforts to expand access by recommending the book to your university, faculty, or local library.
See below for more information about the newly-released book:
Hundreds of new bilateral, regional, and global treaties have been negotiated in relation to the world’s most pressing sustainability, development, and justice challenges over the past two decades. The majority of these face significant implementation challenges. At the same time, disputes over human rights, environmental protection, and economic development are increasingly common.
Sustainable Development Law analyses these advances and challenges in the international law on sustainable development at the intersection between international social, environmental, and economic law. It opens by examining the origins of the concept of sustainable development, identifying and discussing the foundations of its legal aspects. The principles of international law related to sustainable development are considered, based on international instruments and disputes across international courts and tribunals. Later chapters provide illustrative examples of legal instruments and regimes that address the 169 targets in relation to the 17 Global Sustainable Development Goals. Finally, the authors propose cutting-edge research agendas and conclude by exploring the limits of sustainable development.
Sustainable Development Law is designed as a high-level textbook, examining the nature of law of sustainable development. Chapters offer key takeaways and questions to consider for those studying the subject. It also would be suitable for practising lawyers and policy makers who want to develop their understanding of the subject area.