Ambition needed to confront the climate crisis
The COP26 summit has laid the road ahead for tackling the climate crisis over the coming decades. The Law Society has joined the action by paving the way for itself, solicitors, law firms and our members who work in-house to play their part.
“While COP26 has set the right direction of travel and raised global ambitions on climate action, it is just the beginning of a long road to combat the crisis,” said Law Society of England and Wales president I. Stephanie Boyce.
“That’s why it is essential for all civil society, including professional bodies such as the Law Society, to step up and bridge the gap by creating the appropriate environment and setting the ambition needed for themselves and their members to confront the challenge.
“The climate crisis threatens human rights and the rule of law, as well as access to justice. Law societies, bar associations and lawyers must play a role in securing global climate justice by lending their efforts, voices and influence.
“For example, the credibility of net-zero pledges made by both governments and businesses alike are already being called into question as to whether they are sufficient in the short term and whether they deliver legitimate net zero. COP26 has shown that lawyers can play an essential role in mainstreaming legitimate net-zero targets by drafting best practice contractual clauses.
“In pursuit of the commitments we have made within our climate change resolution, we will deliver ethical guidance on challenging topics for solicitors concerning the climate crisis.
“We are also working with other professional bodies and legal networks to build consensus on how we and others can help mitigate the effects of the climate crisis.”
Notes to editors
Read our climate change resolution and access our resource hub
Our resolution urges solicitors to take the lead in developing a climate-conscious approach to their daily practice and sets out how the Law Society can provide support.
It also carries a Law Society commitment to develop plans and take rapid action to reduce global warming by adopting science-based targets for our operations.
Watch our Future Worlds film on climate change
About the Law Society
The Law Society is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.
Press office contact: Nick Mayo | 020 8049 4100