This study considers the problems of defining and valuing "environmental damage" from the perspective of international and comparative law. The need for a broad and systematic evaluation of this issue is illustrated by the number of topics presently on the international law-making agenda to which it is relevant, including the UN Compensation Commission's decisions on compensation for environmental losses suffered by Kuwait in the Gulf War, nuclear and oil pollution liability regimes, the development of an environmental liability protocol to the Antarctic Treaty and other agreements on bio-safety and genetically modified organisms. It is thus an important element in contemporary efforts to strengthen legal remedies for environmental harm which does not necessarily come within traditional categories of legally protected personal or property rights. The contributors include experts in national and international law, civil and common law, as well as in the laws of developed and developing states, an economist and a member of the UN Compensation Commission.

Review from other book by this author 'This collection comes from two of the most widely respected academics in the field. It is well organized into ten parts...The collection is stated in the preface to be intended primarily for student use in courses on international environmental law, but will also be of great assistance to practitioners needing access to the main international materials within a manageable volume.' * Journal of Environmental Law *
'The book is very much a working manual for those interested in the interplay between environmental issues and the international legal system. It is commendably free of unnecessary forewords or introductions and is as up to date as it is reasonably possible to be in this field. It also indicates whether or not the appropriate measure has come into force - a critical component for the professional practitioner.' * Scottish Planning & Environmental Law *
: ... a treasure trove of information, insightful analysis, and critical commentary. * The American Journal of International Law Vol. 94, 2000 *
the best up-to-date primer on marine environment law today. * EJIL (2000) Vol 11 No. 4 939-946 *
"This book by Boyle is the most serious recent publication on this topic [on human rights]...the book under review is the most versatile study on the problem of the link of human rights and environmental protection. The book raises all the relevant issues in a comprehensive and stimulating manner. It gives an overview of different arguments. It strikes a good balance between theory and practice...a must for all international lawyers."

Alan Boyle has taught and practised International Law and International Environmental Law for over twenty years. Educated at Oxford, he taught at Queen Mary College, London, and is now Professor of Public International Law at Edinburgh University. Mr Michael Bowman is a lecturer in law at Nottingham University