Dave-Inder Comar
@daveindercomar.bsky.social
Attorney and PhD candidate at the Grotius Centre for Intl Legal Studies at Leiden🌞🌍⚖️
Researching self-determination and climate change👨🏾💼
🌳 I also advise smart, principled people and companies that are impacting the world
Researching self-determination and climate change👨🏾💼
🌳 I also advise smart, principled people and companies that are impacting the world
Pinned
Reintroducing myself 🙌🏽
I’m a lawyer in private practice currently getting my PhD in international law with a focus on climate change impacts.
My specific area of research looks at the self-determination of peoples in an era of planetary threats 🌍
🧵🪡
I’m a lawyer in private practice currently getting my PhD in international law with a focus on climate change impacts.
My specific area of research looks at the self-determination of peoples in an era of planetary threats 🌍
🧵🪡
Weekend reading ⭐️
November 8, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Weekend reading ⭐️
Happy with this recent self-portrait ⭐️
I’m experimenting with turning these small pencil sketches into paintings with gouache
I’m experimenting with turning these small pencil sketches into paintings with gouache
November 6, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Happy with this recent self-portrait ⭐️
I’m experimenting with turning these small pencil sketches into paintings with gouache
I’m experimenting with turning these small pencil sketches into paintings with gouache
Rather than treating climate change as a 2050 or 2100 issue, I encourage lawyers and policymakers to situate current warming as bookmarking the end of the stable Holocene.l
This emphasizes the scale of human intervention—enough to terminate an entire age
It also underscores the challenges ahead 🌍
This emphasizes the scale of human intervention—enough to terminate an entire age
It also underscores the challenges ahead 🌍
November 6, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Rather than treating climate change as a 2050 or 2100 issue, I encourage lawyers and policymakers to situate current warming as bookmarking the end of the stable Holocene.l
This emphasizes the scale of human intervention—enough to terminate an entire age
It also underscores the challenges ahead 🌍
This emphasizes the scale of human intervention—enough to terminate an entire age
It also underscores the challenges ahead 🌍
COP30 must address the false sense of security provided by the 1.5°-2°C language in the Paris Agreement.
States and policymakers may believe they are still “on track” as long as global temperatures hover around 1.5–2°C, even
though catastrophic nonlinear changes can trigger below those
thresholds.
States and policymakers may believe they are still “on track” as long as global temperatures hover around 1.5–2°C, even
though catastrophic nonlinear changes can trigger below those
thresholds.
November 5, 2025 at 9:21 PM
COP30 must address the false sense of security provided by the 1.5°-2°C language in the Paris Agreement.
States and policymakers may believe they are still “on track” as long as global temperatures hover around 1.5–2°C, even
though catastrophic nonlinear changes can trigger below those
thresholds.
States and policymakers may believe they are still “on track” as long as global temperatures hover around 1.5–2°C, even
though catastrophic nonlinear changes can trigger below those
thresholds.
With COP30 just around the corner, it's important to recall that the Paris framework is built to address the linear impacts of warming, not nonlinear destabilization
Once the climate system moves into tipping-point dynamics, the Paris architecture starts to lose efficacy, maybe even its relevance
Once the climate system moves into tipping-point dynamics, the Paris architecture starts to lose efficacy, maybe even its relevance
November 5, 2025 at 9:19 PM
With COP30 just around the corner, it's important to recall that the Paris framework is built to address the linear impacts of warming, not nonlinear destabilization
Once the climate system moves into tipping-point dynamics, the Paris architecture starts to lose efficacy, maybe even its relevance
Once the climate system moves into tipping-point dynamics, the Paris architecture starts to lose efficacy, maybe even its relevance
The end of the Holocene, and the emergence of a new and hotter climate era, suggests the need for a civilizational-level effort necessary to stabilize the climate. This effort has yet to meaningfully materialize.
Put more simply: we need to think bigger—much bigger—about addressing climate change
Put more simply: we need to think bigger—much bigger—about addressing climate change
November 5, 2025 at 8:52 PM
The end of the Holocene, and the emergence of a new and hotter climate era, suggests the need for a civilizational-level effort necessary to stabilize the climate. This effort has yet to meaningfully materialize.
Put more simply: we need to think bigger—much bigger—about addressing climate change
Put more simply: we need to think bigger—much bigger—about addressing climate change
Excited to see some research on sea-level rise and international published soon ⭐
In this book chapter, I analyze the law of self-determination and the law of genocide and review whether these frameworks can help us understand sea-level rise.
www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edi...
In this book chapter, I analyze the law of self-determination and the law of genocide and review whether these frameworks can help us understand sea-level rise.
www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edi...
Existence and Survival | 8 | Sea Level Rise, Self-determination, and t
This chapter articulates an existence and survival dimension of self-determination and argues that this dimension should be further delineated in the context of
www.taylorfrancis.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Excited to see some research on sea-level rise and international published soon ⭐
In this book chapter, I analyze the law of self-determination and the law of genocide and review whether these frameworks can help us understand sea-level rise.
www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edi...
In this book chapter, I analyze the law of self-determination and the law of genocide and review whether these frameworks can help us understand sea-level rise.
www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edi...
We have to stop treating climate change as a 'technocratic' issue.
Climate change is deeply political and tethered to international law and international justice.
We have to start connecting climate with other crises in international law.
Climate change is deeply political and tethered to international law and international justice.
We have to start connecting climate with other crises in international law.
November 3, 2025 at 2:08 PM
We have to stop treating climate change as a 'technocratic' issue.
Climate change is deeply political and tethered to international law and international justice.
We have to start connecting climate with other crises in international law.
Climate change is deeply political and tethered to international law and international justice.
We have to start connecting climate with other crises in international law.
Stunning personal threats against diplomats—and their families—made by the US in order to delay clean shipping rules.
Just a brazen display of personal retribution in order to keep delaying a just transition.
www.politico.eu/article/us-a...
Just a brazen display of personal retribution in order to keep delaying a just transition.
www.politico.eu/article/us-a...
US accused of threatening EU diplomats during bid to kill green shipping rules
Negotiators at shipping talks in London were told both they and their countries could be punished unless they voted with the U.S.
www.politico.eu
November 3, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Stunning personal threats against diplomats—and their families—made by the US in order to delay clean shipping rules.
Just a brazen display of personal retribution in order to keep delaying a just transition.
www.politico.eu/article/us-a...
Just a brazen display of personal retribution in order to keep delaying a just transition.
www.politico.eu/article/us-a...
The fight for a stable climate and a habitable planet is, at heart, the fight for the international rule of law. We must now seek ways to apply the force of law against planetary lawbreakers.
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
November 2, 2025 at 1:04 PM
The fight for a stable climate and a habitable planet is, at heart, the fight for the international rule of law. We must now seek ways to apply the force of law against planetary lawbreakers.
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
Centuries ago, Magna Carta imposed limits on the king to respect the law ⚖️
Today, we need a new “Magna Carta moment” to enforce international law against planetary lawbreakers 🌍
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
Today, we need a new “Magna Carta moment” to enforce international law against planetary lawbreakers 🌍
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
November 2, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Centuries ago, Magna Carta imposed limits on the king to respect the law ⚖️
Today, we need a new “Magna Carta moment” to enforce international law against planetary lawbreakers 🌍
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
Today, we need a new “Magna Carta moment” to enforce international law against planetary lawbreakers 🌍
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
Climate change is a threat to ecosystem and human health, but it is also fundamentally a social justice issue...we can still create a turning point. It begins by embracing our shared humanity and recognizing the profound interconnectedness of all life on the planet.
academic.oup.com/bioscience/a...
academic.oup.com/bioscience/a...
The 2025 state of the climate report: a planet on the brink
We are hurtling toward climate chaos. The planet's vital signs are flashing red. The consequences of human-driven alterations of the climate are no longer
academic.oup.com
November 1, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Climate change is a threat to ecosystem and human health, but it is also fundamentally a social justice issue...we can still create a turning point. It begins by embracing our shared humanity and recognizing the profound interconnectedness of all life on the planet.
academic.oup.com/bioscience/a...
academic.oup.com/bioscience/a...
At a networking event, someone asked me why I am researching climate
My answer: climate change is the greatest threat we face. Not just physical impacts, but our social response, and our ability to protect dignity, equal rights and human rights
All curious people should be focused on this issue 🌍
My answer: climate change is the greatest threat we face. Not just physical impacts, but our social response, and our ability to protect dignity, equal rights and human rights
All curious people should be focused on this issue 🌍
November 1, 2025 at 11:38 AM
At a networking event, someone asked me why I am researching climate
My answer: climate change is the greatest threat we face. Not just physical impacts, but our social response, and our ability to protect dignity, equal rights and human rights
All curious people should be focused on this issue 🌍
My answer: climate change is the greatest threat we face. Not just physical impacts, but our social response, and our ability to protect dignity, equal rights and human rights
All curious people should be focused on this issue 🌍
The climate governance regime enshrined by the Paris Agreement assumes linear climate impacts.
But now our world faces non-linear impacts, particularly climate tipping points.
Policymakers must understand and address non-linearity.
Put simply —"what is the plan for non-linear climate impacts?"
But now our world faces non-linear impacts, particularly climate tipping points.
Policymakers must understand and address non-linearity.
Put simply —"what is the plan for non-linear climate impacts?"
October 26, 2025 at 7:53 AM
The climate governance regime enshrined by the Paris Agreement assumes linear climate impacts.
But now our world faces non-linear impacts, particularly climate tipping points.
Policymakers must understand and address non-linearity.
Put simply —"what is the plan for non-linear climate impacts?"
But now our world faces non-linear impacts, particularly climate tipping points.
Policymakers must understand and address non-linearity.
Put simply —"what is the plan for non-linear climate impacts?"
In every aspect of our lives and in our politics, we assume the existence of a stable climate system. This is no longer a valid assumption.
Now we must align as a species on a common goal of climate stability. Human rights and equal rights must be at the core of such climate action.
Now we must align as a species on a common goal of climate stability. Human rights and equal rights must be at the core of such climate action.
October 26, 2025 at 7:51 AM
In every aspect of our lives and in our politics, we assume the existence of a stable climate system. This is no longer a valid assumption.
Now we must align as a species on a common goal of climate stability. Human rights and equal rights must be at the core of such climate action.
Now we must align as a species on a common goal of climate stability. Human rights and equal rights must be at the core of such climate action.
Current climate policy and governance assumes linear warming, not nonlinear planetary destabilization.
With tipping points now being breached, this assumption is deeply flawed.
A new governance, legal, and political vision is now required to address tipping points and stabilize the climate 🌍
With tipping points now being breached, this assumption is deeply flawed.
A new governance, legal, and political vision is now required to address tipping points and stabilize the climate 🌍
October 24, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Current climate policy and governance assumes linear warming, not nonlinear planetary destabilization.
With tipping points now being breached, this assumption is deeply flawed.
A new governance, legal, and political vision is now required to address tipping points and stabilize the climate 🌍
With tipping points now being breached, this assumption is deeply flawed.
A new governance, legal, and political vision is now required to address tipping points and stabilize the climate 🌍
It is mindboggling to me that 30 years after the UNFCCC was ratified, and 10 years after Paris, climate policies in high-emissions States remain reactive, not precautionary.
I am continually stunned at the lack of urgency related to ending the era of fossil fuels.
I am continually stunned at the lack of urgency related to ending the era of fossil fuels.
October 23, 2025 at 7:19 PM
It is mindboggling to me that 30 years after the UNFCCC was ratified, and 10 years after Paris, climate policies in high-emissions States remain reactive, not precautionary.
I am continually stunned at the lack of urgency related to ending the era of fossil fuels.
I am continually stunned at the lack of urgency related to ending the era of fossil fuels.
The Paris Agreement does not mention climate tipping points. This is a major gap that must now be addressed.
Policymakers may have a false sense of security that as long as temperatures hover ~1.5°–2°C, we can manage—even though catastrophic nonlinear changes can trigger below those thresholds.
Policymakers may have a false sense of security that as long as temperatures hover ~1.5°–2°C, we can manage—even though catastrophic nonlinear changes can trigger below those thresholds.
October 23, 2025 at 7:14 PM
The Paris Agreement does not mention climate tipping points. This is a major gap that must now be addressed.
Policymakers may have a false sense of security that as long as temperatures hover ~1.5°–2°C, we can manage—even though catastrophic nonlinear changes can trigger below those thresholds.
Policymakers may have a false sense of security that as long as temperatures hover ~1.5°–2°C, we can manage—even though catastrophic nonlinear changes can trigger below those thresholds.
I'm presenting some of my governance and legal research tomorrow on how governments must address climate change tipping points ⭐️
Key takeaway — current climate change governance assumes linear warming, not nonlinear planetary destabilization.
We need a far stronger framework for tipping elements
Key takeaway — current climate change governance assumes linear warming, not nonlinear planetary destabilization.
We need a far stronger framework for tipping elements
October 23, 2025 at 7:10 PM
I'm presenting some of my governance and legal research tomorrow on how governments must address climate change tipping points ⭐️
Key takeaway — current climate change governance assumes linear warming, not nonlinear planetary destabilization.
We need a far stronger framework for tipping elements
Key takeaway — current climate change governance assumes linear warming, not nonlinear planetary destabilization.
We need a far stronger framework for tipping elements
Governments are not free to do anything they want. They are limited by law
Human rights treaties, international law, and due process restrain governments
In the face of climate change, governments also have limits. They are now obligated to stop the conduct that is dangerously warming the planet
Human rights treaties, international law, and due process restrain governments
In the face of climate change, governments also have limits. They are now obligated to stop the conduct that is dangerously warming the planet
October 22, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Governments are not free to do anything they want. They are limited by law
Human rights treaties, international law, and due process restrain governments
In the face of climate change, governments also have limits. They are now obligated to stop the conduct that is dangerously warming the planet
Human rights treaties, international law, and due process restrain governments
In the face of climate change, governments also have limits. They are now obligated to stop the conduct that is dangerously warming the planet
The mostly sedentary lifestyles of the Holocene—and high energy lifestyles—are going to have a major reality check from extreme weather and a warming planet.
Migration is the story of humanity. As climate impacts worsen, we need to take a human rights based approach to the movement of people 🌍
Migration is the story of humanity. As climate impacts worsen, we need to take a human rights based approach to the movement of people 🌍
October 22, 2025 at 9:42 AM
The mostly sedentary lifestyles of the Holocene—and high energy lifestyles—are going to have a major reality check from extreme weather and a warming planet.
Migration is the story of humanity. As climate impacts worsen, we need to take a human rights based approach to the movement of people 🌍
Migration is the story of humanity. As climate impacts worsen, we need to take a human rights based approach to the movement of people 🌍
mosquitos now being found in Iceland is a lesson about climate change.
—it underscores how other species (including insects) are moving into new niches
—it underscores the health threats from climate change (mosquitoes are vectors)
—it is a preview of human migration from environmental impacts
—it underscores how other species (including insects) are moving into new niches
—it underscores the health threats from climate change (mosquitoes are vectors)
—it is a preview of human migration from environmental impacts
October 22, 2025 at 9:38 AM
mosquitos now being found in Iceland is a lesson about climate change.
—it underscores how other species (including insects) are moving into new niches
—it underscores the health threats from climate change (mosquitoes are vectors)
—it is a preview of human migration from environmental impacts
—it underscores how other species (including insects) are moving into new niches
—it underscores the health threats from climate change (mosquitoes are vectors)
—it is a preview of human migration from environmental impacts
Democracy and a stable climate go hand in hand, according to experts speaking at a recent UN conference.
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
October 14, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Democracy and a stable climate go hand in hand, according to experts speaking at a recent UN conference.
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
open.substack.com/pub/daveinde...
Excited to be participating at the UN forum on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law — this year, focused on climate change 🌍
October 13, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Excited to be participating at the UN forum on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law — this year, focused on climate change 🌍
Reposted by Dave-Inder Comar
“Only with a combination of decisive policy & civil society action can the world tip its trajectory from facing existential Earth system tipping point risks to seizing positive tipping point opportunities.” - Prof. Tim Lenton, @gsiexeter.bsky.social
#ClimateEmergency
#ClimateEmergency
‘New reality’ as world reaches first climate tipping point
Widespread mortality of warm-water coral reefs under way, as world reaches first tipping point With global warming set to breach 1.5°C, world dangerously close to further catastrophic tipping points T...
news.exeter.ac.uk
October 13, 2025 at 2:32 AM
“Only with a combination of decisive policy & civil society action can the world tip its trajectory from facing existential Earth system tipping point risks to seizing positive tipping point opportunities.” - Prof. Tim Lenton, @gsiexeter.bsky.social
#ClimateEmergency
#ClimateEmergency