Future Forward: How Lawyers Can Embrace Sustainability
Environmental attorney Amy Edwards was interviewed for an ABA Journal article explaining the relevance of sustainable development for lawyers. First defined by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987, the term broadly refers to development that meets current needs while ensuring future generations will be able to do the same. Ms. Edwards, who previously chaired the American Bar Association's (ABA) Section of Environment, Energy and Resources (SEER), commented that attorneys should familiarize themselves with what sustainability means and how sustainable development goals fit into their practice area. Noting a tendency to "get focused on the day-to-day aspects of your practice," she said it's important to stay updated on current laws and regulations in this area, even at the international level, especially when advising on commercial contracts. She recommended lawyers consult the Chancery Lane Project, a global network of legal professionals and business leaders, for examples of climate-friendly clauses to incorporate into agreements.
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