Corporate accountability in international environmental law : emerging standards and the contribution of international organizations

Abstract

This study aims to define the legal contours of the concept of corporate accountability in international environmental law. This concept is often related to the insistent calls by international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and academics to ensure some sort o f international oversight over private companies, particularly multinational ones, to avoid the most serious environmental harm caused by them. Corporate accountability is also equally relevant when considering the growing practice of international organizations to increasingly engage the private sector in attaining global goals for the protection of the environment.