Law and Policy of Climate Change (LAWS0293)

This course focuses on law and policy on climate change at different levels of governance (international climate law, EU climate law, UK climate law). The climate crisis presents us with major social, environmental and legal challenges, as well as complex climate governance systems. It is also conceptually as well as legally fascinating.

This course will examine the development of international climate change law and policy since 1989. It will explore the key EU governance approaches to climate change, including the emissions trading system, and the outline of UK climate governance (for example the Climate Change Act 2008). It will also address some of the difficult legal and policy issues at stake in different legal areas and different sectors.

Module Syllabus

The precise issues taught will vary, but a number of the following issues are likely to be included:

• Participation and democracy in the climate crisis
• English climate law
• The International Legal Framework
• The Paris Agreement
• Climate justice
• Market mechanisms
• The EU and climate change
• Climate litigation
• Sectoral impacts on climate (eg internet, aviation, shipping)

Recommended Materials

Module reading lists and other module materials will be provided via online module pages, once students have made their module selections upon enrolment. No single book takes the approach envisaged for this module.

The convenor is happy to discuss reading if contacted by a student during the module.

Key information