Corporate Accountability for Environmental Damage: Legal Mechanisms

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the critical issue of corporate accountability for environmental damage, highlighting the legal mechanisms available to hold corporations responsible for their actions. In the context of the Anthropocene, it argues that corporations must recognize their responsibilities beyond regulatory compliance, particularly regarding the communities and ecosystems affected by their operations. The study reviews international legal frameworks designed to enforce corporate accountability, such as treaties and conventions that integrate human rights and environmental standards. It also analyzes national legal mechanisms, including tort law and regulatory frameworks, emphasizing the role of public authorities and civil society in monitoring corporate behavior. The paper discusses the challenges of enforcing accountability, particularly in regions with weak governance or corrupt practices, and the difficulties in proving liability for environmental harm. Through case studies of successful legal actions against corporations, the research illustrates effective strategies employed by affected communities and environmental groups. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive reforms to enhance corporate accountability and protect environmental rights, advocating for a collaborative approach that includes local communities, NGOs, and regulatory bodies to ensure sustainable practices and equitable justice in environmental law.

Keywords: Corporate accountability, Environmental damage, Legal mechanisms, International law, National law, Tort law, Civil society, Environmental justice, Case studies, Sustainable practices