An Earth system law perspective on governing social-hydrological systems in the Anthropocene

The global hydrological cycle is characterized by complex interdependencies and self-regulating feedbacks that keep water in an ever-evolving state of flux at local, regional, and global levels. Increasingly, the scale of human impacts in the Anthropocene is altering the dynamics of this cycle, which presents additional challenges for water governance. Earth system law provides an important approach for addressing gaps in governance that arise from the mismatch between the global hydrological cycle and dispersed regulatory architecture across institutions and geographic regions. In this article, we articulate the potential for Earth system law to account for core hydrological problems that complicate water governance, including delay, redistribution, intertwinements, permanence, and scale. Through merging concepts from Earth system law with existing policy and legal principles, we frame an approach for addressing hydrological problems in the Anthropocene and strengthening institutional fit between established governance systems and the global hydrological cycle. We discuss how such an approach can be applied, and the challenges and implications for governing water as a cycle and complex social-hydrological system, both in research and practice.

Automated summary

The global hydrological cycle is influenced by complex interdependencies and self-regulating feedbacks, with increasing human impacts in the Anthropocene altering the dynamics of the cycle and posing challenges for water governance. Earth system law has the potential to bridge the gap between the global hydrological cycle and dispersed regulatory architecture, offering a solution to core problems in water governance. Through merging concepts from Earth system law with existing policy and legal principles, a framework is outlined for addressing hydrological issues in the Anthropocene and enhancing institutional compatibility between established governance systems and the global hydrological cycle.