AbstractThe goal of this chapter is to understand the functions and objectives of environmental liability law. This task requires going beyond the traditional perspective of the judge or the lawyer to a certain extent, as these roles are usually concerned with the restitution of or compensation for environmental damage that has already occurred, a repressive perspective which is typically contrasted with the preventive function of environmental liability. In line with the latter function, liability law can be considered as a regulatory approach to cope with environmental problems and thus as a complement or alternative to other instruments of international law which are designed to minimise or eliminate environmental risks.