Corporate accountability, international law, and the climate crisis

This chapter explores the intersection of corporate law, international legal frameworks, and climate change, examining how evolving norms and governance mechanisms are reshaping corporate accountability. It critiques the inadequacy of corporate law to address the climate crisis and highlights how international legal developments, such as the Paris Agreement and ESG disclosure standards, are influencing corporate behaviour through indirect enforcement and stakeholder pressure. The chapter emphasizes the rise of climate litigation and the expanding role of courts and disclosure regimes in holding corporations accountable for climate-related harms. It also addresses the role of climate-related financial disclosures in aligning corporate strategies with environmental goals. While acknowledging the limits of international law enforcement on corporations, the chapter argues that legal norms, stakeholder activism, and regulatory developments are converging to pressure businesses toward climate responsibility. It concludes by urging proactive board engagement and legal reform to meet the demands of a sustainable future.