An overview of some international legal approaches for environmental protection

International environmental law always has tried to solve environmental problems by codification of binding and non-binding rules and regulations and provide solutions in this area. One of the important responses of international environmental law has been promoting sustainable development. As regards of improving the quality of environment and economical development are naturally consistent and coordinated goals. Sustainable development has decreased some paradoxical tensions related to economic growth limitations in 1970s. Sustainable development in the process of progress and through the interaction between three dimensions of economic, social and environmental development, has made its way from the international development law to the international sustainable development law. Declarations of Stockholm (1972), Rio (1992) and Johannesburg (2002), have emphasized on environmental protection and have mentioned that achieving sustainable development is the basic key to solving environmental issues. Rio + 20 summit also has the ability to cope with a collection of policies, methods and plans which support the transition to a green economy. This article reviews     the international legal approaches in order to be a backbone for environmental protection. It also reviews the proper approach to deal with such issue. By comparing the above summits, we could undoubtedly say that the Rio Summit (1992) compared with others especially Rio +20, in terms of the effectiveness of international legal approaches in environmental protection and acceptance of international commitments, has more specific and involved better outcomes.