This timely book examines the role of environmental principles in changing international environmental law and politics, and argues for the importance of integrating environmental principles in the global governance of the environment. Afshin Akhtarkhavari includes both theoretical and jurisprudential analyses of the concept of environmental principles, as well as detailed case studies to examine their function and role in courts, and the differing approaches taken to soft law and regulation in international politics. Global Governance of the Environment concludes with succinct and insightful considerations of the role of environmental principles in changing international law and politics This topical book will appeal to researchers, academics and students of international environmental law and politics, international relations, as well as domestic environmental law.