Editorial
Reflections on a new chapter in English sewage regulation
BEN PONTIN
Cardiff University  

The debate around combined sewer overflows (CSOs) reflects the complexity of the whole topic of river pollution by sewage. CSOs were a late addition to the UK’s Environment Act 2021 and the obligation to review them is welcome from the perspective of ‘best environmental value’. However, schemes to eliminate CSO discharges may have adverse environmental consequences and much depends on the nature of the alternatives.

Articles
COP 26: The best (second) last chance for climate?  
JANNIS BILLE,  SILKE GOLDBERG
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP, London

This article summarises the key outcomes from COP26 as contained in the Glasgow Climate Pact and concludes with an assessment of the likely impact of COP26 on business. As stressed by various world leaders, the private sector will play a central role in the world’s transition to net zero, which presents both challenges and opportunities.

Reaching net zero as a legal firm: only action counts 
VAUGHAN LINDSAY
CEO, ClimateCare

The author observes that while many businesses may have previously engaged with climate change mitigation in the context of corporate social responsibility, they must now see it as a business-critical issue. The case study of a leading law firm demonstrates how climate neutrality may be achieved.

Law and policies for marine environmental protection: a comparative analysis  
PRAGYA RAKSHITA
National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi, India

The oceans are some of the most important sites of marine environment in the world, comprising dynamic marine flora and fauna. It is not a matter of debate, then, that steps must be taken for the protection of marine environment. This article analyses the steps taken in this regard by the international community as a whole and by certain countries that have the capacity to affect the marine environment owing to their large sea coasts. The laws and policies have been analysed in a comparative light, finding that some of the most progressive policies have been adopted by the European Union and Australia. The article concludes that other nations must adopt more effective policies and that international cooperation needs to be improved.

Case Comments
Relocating hen harrier chicks to spare grouse for the gun  
ROSALIND ENGLISH
Academic Consultant, 1 Crown Office Row

Inter-state proceedings, interim measures and protection of the environment  
Czech Republic v Republic of Poland Case C–121/21 R
JOANNE SELLICK
Associate Professor in Law, School of Society and Culture, University of Plymouth

REACH registration post-Brexit
NIGEL LYONS
Browne Jacobson LLP, Exeter  

BEIS publishes draft energy national policy statements  
HOWARD BASSFORD, ROSS CORSER
DLA Piper, London

The Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021  
SARAH HENDRY
Senior Lecturer in Law, Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science

COP 26 and the Church of England  
DAVID POCKLINGTON 
Honorary Research Fellow, Centre for Law & Religion, Cardiff Law School