Synergising Foreign Investor and State Climate and Environmental Priorities

Investor–State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanisms, embedded in many international investment agreements (IIAs), were originally intended to protect foreign investors. However, in their current form, these mechanisms have increasingly been viewed as obstacles to environmental protection, public health, human rights, and climate action. The ISDS system has enabled fossil fuel investors to claim billions from states for climate-related regulations, reinforcing high-carbon investments and limiting governments’ capacity to pursue sustainable development.

The CGM webinar series brought together thought leaders in international law, human rights, and sustainable investment to explore how ISDS must evolve to support—rather than hinder—the net-zero transition and responsible corporate behaviour.

Across three sessions, the series featured:

• Toby Landau KC, Barrister, Advocate and Arbitrator, Duxton Hill Chambers

• Lisa Sachs, Director, Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment

• Astrid Puentes Riaño, UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment