Environmental and Climate Policy

1 Unit · Graduate

Climate and environmental issues are among the most complex and consequential arenas of 21st century public policy. This course will study major US environmental laws and how the courts interpret them, explore efforts to reach international consensus to tackle global environmental threats, compare frameworks for environmental protection regimes, and consider federal natural resource protections. Students will also study the main programs to protect US surface waters and air quality, as well as examine how the US federal system addresses issues as diverse as energy policy, transportation, and land use planning. The international climate regime, including the primary scientific sources of climate change data that set the parameters for international climate policy, is examined. The class will discuss current international accords, the role of nations, youth activists and businesses and evaluate emerging issues that will shape climate solutions.