ILP: International Environmental and Climate Law

3 credits · Professional

International environmental law is a relatively young field of international law, but its task is monumental – to tackle the most existential challenges that humanity has ever faced, from biodiversity loss and plastics pollution to the escalating climate crisis. This course offers an overview of the legal frameworks that states have developed over the past decades to address these challenges, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Students will explore the foundational principles of international environmental law, delve into the dynamics of international environmental lawmaking, and critically assess the achievements and shortcomings of the international legal response to environmental problems. CALENDAR NOTES: This course is part of the International Environmental Law stream in the Queen’s/Dalhousie International Law Program (ILP), which takes place in Europe in May and June. The ILP combines an 8-week intensive academic program in international law with field study visits to law firms, international organizations, and international courts. Dalhousie students earn nine credits for successfully completing the program, which can be counted towards 2L or 3L credit requirements. ILP courses do not count as major paper courses, nor do they count towards Certificate requirements. Grades earned through the ILP will not be included in a Dalhousie student’s overall weighted average for any purpose, including eligibility for scholarships or supplemental exams. Applications are usually due near the end of the Fall term, although late applications can sometimes be accepted. Tuition and fees are paid to Queen’s University. There is an ILP information session held in the fall term at the Schulich School of Law each year. Students wishing to participate in this program must schedule an academic advising appointment with the office of the Associate Dean (Academic). Further details about the program can be found on the International Law Program website:https://law.queensu.ca/programs/jd/international-learning/bisc.