This expanded and updated Research Handbook delivers an authoritative and in-depth guide to the conceptual foundations of environmental law. It offers a nuanced reflection on the underlying principles by exploring issues such as human rights, constitutional rights, sustainable development and environmental impact assessment within the context of environmental law. Perceptive contributions examine the emerging roles played by a range of concepts, values and objectives in environmental governance. The nature of these emerging concepts and their relationship with traditional rights and duties, which are typically reactive in nature, is of particular significance. New and revised chapters thoroughly examine the concepts at the heart of environmental law including sustainability, protection and climate change law. This second edition further illuminates key aspects of environmental governance through the lens of their underlying dimensions: the form, structure and language of international, regional and national instruments; the function of norms, objectives and standards; and the relevance of economic analysis and of integrated policy formulation. This discerning new edition will be an ideal read for all students and researchers in environmental law and governance. Furthermore, it will be essential reading and a valuable resource for policymakers, legal drafters and those wanting to understand the foundations of the modern environmental legal system.