Impact of Climate Change Statutes on Decarbonization

How can a climate change statute contribute effectively to limiting global warming to under 2° C? This work addresses that question by analyzing international obligations, comparing the British and German climate change statutes through a functionalist approach adapted to environmental law, and assessing their effectiveness in achieving their objectives and in their implementation. It concludes by developing and synthesizing proposals for improvement. While, e.g., linking legislation to a concrete emissions budget and introducing financial sanction mechanisms are identified as important measures, the decisive factor will ultimately be political prioritization.