Two committees of the American Bar Association Section of International Law, the International Environmental Law Committee & the Europe Committee, together with the International Environmental and Resources Law Committee of the ABA Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources, are actively soliciting proposals for articles from practitioners, professionals, professors, students and others on the impact of climate change on water law for publication in the Spring 2015 Edition of the Joint International Environmental Law Special Edition Newsletter series focused on water law. The invitation to submit articles is extended to AIDA members.

The Spring 2015 Edition presents an excellent opportunity to be published in a high quality, widely-circulated publication, and to support the activities of all three Committees and both Sections. Article proposals should include a working title and a paragraph summary. Articles are typically 3 to 10 pages, double-spaced, although the length of articles may vary. Final submissions should include a title and appropriate Blue Book format citations.

Article proposals should address the theme of the Spring 2015 Edition:

The global climate has been disrupted and nowhere is that disruption more pronounced than in the disruption of the hydrologic cycle. Today, there is emerging a new normal in precipitation and drainage patterns that undercuts the factual bases on which current water law regimes (local, national, and international) are based. At the same time, the increases in population and in per capita use of water, as well as the recognition of long neglected ecological needs and a human right to water, all put further stress on water law regimes. The global climate crisis demands innovative legal developments in water law and creative solutions to water conflicts.

While the list is by no means exhaustive, articles may include reports, analyses, and opinion pieces addressing the following topics:

• Changes in hydrology due to climate change and the corresponding challenges posed to water users, water managers, and water lawyers and judges;
• Topics related to ocean and coastal waters, such as ocean acidification, blue carbon, and climate change adaptation due to sea level rise;
• Water law reform generally;
• The human rights framework as part of the solution to the water crisis;
• National security and water conflicts;
• Natural resource management, both domestic and transboundary, as a part of the solution to the water crisis;
• Regional water disputes and mechanisms for their resolution;
• International arbitration and dispute resolution as methods to address water- related disputes; and
• International water law treaties.

The schedule for submissions is as follows:

– Due date for article proposals: October 31, 2014

– Initial deadline for submissions: December 31, 2014

– Anticipated publication date: March 31, 2015

The editors of the Newsletter are available to assist in developing article topics, reviewing draft articles, and revising and editing articles in preparation for publication. Please contact Fatima Ahmad (fatima.maria.ahmad@gmail.com) with article proposals or questions.

While all article submissions on the topic are welcome, space limitations and other considerations may prevent publication of every submission.