International Environmental Law

This course explores the role of governments and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the development and enforcement of international environmental law. The course begins with a review of the fundamental underpinnings of environmental and international law, including the precautionary principle, state responsibility, and permanent sovereignty over natural resources. The course next examines specific international environmental issues, such as ozone depletion, climate change and the depletion of the oceans. It explores the law to protect biological diversity, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the Biodiversity Convention. Throughout these discussions, we will examine the science and policy that gave rise to the specific legal response to the problem. It also explores development issues and the polarization of North vs. South, including the role of multilateral development banks and trade agreements.

Grading is based on an examination.