The law is the principal mechanism by which society resolves disputes and implements policies. For more than forty years, I have worked to use the law to address environmental problems, initially by trying to stop projects that would increase pollution and harm communities. But there are limits to what the courts can do without explicit direction from legislatures. Climate change is a prime example. Some have seen litigation as a silver bullet, but at least so far that has not been the case. Elections matter more than lawsuits. Until and unless elections bring to power a president, a Congress, and local officials who will take the necessary measures, litigation is needed to inhibit those who will try to move backwards, spur on those with good intentions, help implement the policies set by wise Congresses past, and continue the quest for redress for victims. Well-crafted laws can also lead the way to solutions.

中文翻译：

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一位环境律师对阻止海洋法制工具的疯狂追求

法律是社会解决争端和执行政策的主要机制。四十多年来，我一直致力于利用法律来解决环境问题，最初是试图阻止可能增加污染和危害社区的项目。但是，在没有立法机构明确指示的情况下，法院可以做的事情是有限度的。气候变化就是一个很好的例子。有些人将诉讼视为灵丹妙药，但至少到目前为止，情况并非如此。选举比诉讼更重要。除非选举使总统，国会和采取必要措施的地方官员上台，否则诉讼就必须制止那些试图倒退，鞭策善意者，帮助执行明智政策的人。国会过去 并继续寻求对受害者的赔偿。精心制定的法律也可以引领解决方案。