The International Bar Association Legal Policy and Research Unit has launched the IBA Climate Registry to help local bar associations highlight their response to the climate crisis, against the larger backdrop of business and human rights; environmental, social and governance issues; and, sustainability. The registry is a peer-to-peer platform.

During its online launch, international experts discussed the critical role of the legal profession in addressing the climate crisis, recognising its interconnectedness with ESG principles, sustainability, and business and human rights.

The IBA said the climate registry was to serve as a tool to amplify the contribution of lawyers and legal professional bodies in advancing climate action and fostering greater accountability in alignment with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, to build momentum and facilitate peer-to-peer learning.

The panel used a webinar to explore how lawyers can contribute to sustainable practices and advocate for policy changes that uphold human rights and environmental integrity.

The IBA Climate Registry is designed for the benefit of bar associations and law societies. It facilitates information sharing and inspires collaborative initiatives in the fields of climate change and sustainability.

Users can easily access statements and information by region, while the representatives of bar associations and law societies at all levels – local, state, regional and national – are encouraged to upload documents for the collective benefit to emphasise the importance of collective action in addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change.

Lara Douvartzidis, IBA Project Lawyer leading the climate and business and human rights initiatives of the IBA LPRU, said the climate registry demonstrated the power of collective action within the legal profession to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change. It empowers every representative to contribute and be part of the change.

She observed: “Through strategic engagement with lawyers worldwide, we've witnessed a growing demand for collaboration and shared resources in response to the triple planetary crisis.

“The IBA Climate Registry serves as our collective answer, providing a platform for legal associations to showcase their responses and exchange insights.

Sara Carnegie, director of the IBA LPRU, said: “As legal professionals, we hold a significant role in shaping the trajectory of our society. The convergence of business and human rights law with ESG and related sustainability standards highlights the crucial need for us to prioritise climate action.

“Addressing the climate crisis is not only about fulfilling professional duties.

“It's about recognising the strategic importance of safeguarding human rights, promoting environmental integrity and fostering sustainable business practices.“

Ken Murphy, chair of the IBA’s Bar Issues Commission, appealed to every bar and law society to contribute to the IBA Climate Registry whatever has been worked on to date in relation to the climate crisis; “all of the best ideas, information, insights and documentation”.

He said: “The climate change crisis transcends all geographical and political borders. All life on earth is experiencing its effects. The legal profession, like everyone else, must play its part in addressing this challenge. The IBA is the global voice of the legal profession — and there is nothing more global than climate change.”