Could a small island nation, like The Maldives, which is being flooded out of existence, take the major ?

Question

polluting nations to an international court and sue them for money and/or replacement territory?

Answer 1

Probably not. Similar cases have been fought in the past and have been lost.

The Scandanavians wanted compensation from the UK because power station emissions caused acid rain which lead to deforestation. Countries and communities affected by Chenobyl were unsuccessful in their claims, countries that rely on river water have failed to sue countries further upstream who have dammed or diverted the rivers.

In one of the earliest cases of it's kind an action was brought against General Motors for polluting all 50 states, that too failed.

It seems that as far as the environment is concerned anyone can do what they like with it and not be held responsible.

I'm not a lawyer but I guess a large part of the defence rests on apportioning blame to people. It would seem reasonable that any such case brought against an entire country or community would have to provide evidence that every person in that country or community was responsible.

Answer 2

why cant Saudi Arabia send sand to fill in the low spots ?
the us could send in a disarmed and clean ship to build a reef and fill with concrete then sand can be brought in to help build up the small isle. trees planted to bind and hold the new soil together much more has been done to build an airport
like japan had done japan can help with the daunting task of logistics and construction. and when these other nations are done they can say no charge also! and perhaps leave a few ships behind so the natives can say keep dredging and adding land mass to fend for themselves.

Answer 3

that island is going to be extinct... maybe.... hope not.....