Daniel Bodansky

Professor Daniel M. Bodansky made an appearance on the PBS program, “Ask the Experts,” on Friday, Aug. 10.

The program focused on an international legal battle that began in 2011 between the small island of Palau and larger, surrounding nations.

Palau is asking the International Court of Justice to issue an opinion on whether countries that emit greenhouse gases have any responsibility for the damages those gases may cause.

Bodansky weighed in on the matter by saying a ruling from the ICJ that larger states are responsible for emissions damages would only be advisory.

“It’s unrealistic to think that international law could compel industrialized states to reduce their emissions,” he said.

Bodansky is the ASU Lincoln Professor of Law, Ethics and Sustainability, and is a preeminent authority on global climate change. His teaching and research focus on international environmental law, public international law, international law and sustainability.