Public Law Studies Quarterly

Environmental Risks Arising from the Explosion of Nord Stream Pipelines in Light of International Environmental Law

Document Type : Article

Authors

Meisam Norouzi 1
Mehdi Shayanmehr 2

1 Assistant Prof in public of International Law, Department of law, Faculty of Humanities, Bu-Ali ‎Sina University, Hamadan, Iran‎.

2 ‎. Ph.D. Student in International Law, Department of Law, Faculty of Humanities, Islamic Azad ‎University of Hamadan, Hamadan, Iran‎

https://doi.org/10.22059/jplsq.2024.369161.3440
Abstract
Today, the understanding of environmental risks has significantly increased, such that environmental crises such as air, soil, and sea pollution, global warming, the release of hazardous materials, and environmental degradation are among the serious concerns of the international community. On September 26, 2022, unknown actors deliberately detonated the Nord Stream pipelines located on the seabed of the Baltic Sea with four explosions near the site of chemical munitions disposal leftover from World War II around Bornholm Island. This raises the question of what human environmental risks these explosions pose and how the environment can be protected during armed conflicts. Findings based on documents and library resources using a descriptive-analytical approach indicate that the gas emissions resulting from the explosions not only contribute to global warming but also cause damage to marine ecosystems and harm marine mammals and fish. To support environmental protection, an international environmental legal system has been established, combining principles, treaties, and customary law to safeguard the environment not only in times of peace but also during war. Citing these rules establishes a human right to a healthy environment, which means that the explosions of the Nord Stream pipelines can be considered violations of human rights and humanitarian law.

Keywords

environmental destruction
international environmental law
international human rights
armed conflicts
nord stream
Subjects

  1. English

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Public Law Studies Quarterly
Volume 55, Issue 3 - Serial Number 43
Autumn 2025
Autumn 2025
Pages 1759-1786

  • Receive Date 04 December 2023
  • Revise Date 23 September 2024
  • Accept Date 15 September 2024

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