An Earth system law perspective on governing social-hydrological systems in the Anthropocene

The global hydrological cycle is characterized by complex interdependencies and self-regulating feedbacks that keep water in an ever-evolving state of flux at local, regional, levels. Increasingly, the scale human impacts Anthropocene altering dynamics this cycle, which presents additional challenges for governance. “Earth system law” provides important approach addressing gaps governance arise from mismatch between dispersed regulatory architecture across institutions geographic regions. In article, we articulate potential Earth law to account core problems complicate governance, including delay, redistribution, intertwinements, permanence, scale. Through merging concepts with existing policy legal principles, frame strengthening institutional fit established systems cycle. We discuss how such can be applied, implications governing as a social-hydrological system, both research practice.