Criteria for Evaluating Mechanisms for Representation of Future Generations

Peter Lawrence; Michael Reder

doi:10.1017/9781009655859.007

4 - Criteria for Evaluating Mechanisms for Representation of Future Generations

from Part II - International Law and Institutions

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 19 September 2025

Peter Lawrence and

Michael Reder

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Peter Lawrence: Affiliation:
University of Tasmania
Michael Reder: Affiliation:
Hochschule fur Philosophie Munchen

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Summary

Chapter 4 involves a focus on the legitimacy and effectiveness of proxy-style institutions for future generations. It sets out criteria for assessing the legitimacy of such institutions based on Klaus Dingwerth, Sylvia Karlsson-Vinkhuyzen, and Antto Vihma. Criteria for assessing the legitimacy of international tribunals are developed based on an extension of Bogdandy and Venzke’s work with the idea of accountability to the demos being extended to include future generations. A concept of ‘future legitimacy’ is introduced which involves assessing institutions in operation now from the perspective of future generations when climate change is predicted to be ravaging the planet. Criteria for effectiveness are elaborated involving the Paris Agreement goals, as well as an assessment of the promotion of intergenerational justice and the values of inclusiveness, solidarity and addressing vulnerability. Particular challenges in application of these criteria in the context of international law and related institutions which represent future generations are discussed.

Keywords

Effectiveness legitimacy democratic legitimacy future legitimacy development policy representation of future generations climate change

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Representing Future Generations
Climate Change and the Global Legal Order
, pp. 93 - 115

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009655859.007 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2025

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