This is survey course designed to introduce students to the rules, principles, and policies/politics of international environmental law (IEL). We will explore the dynamics of the international legal system with a focus on the key actors, interests and ideas. While surveying the larger body of IEL, we will examine select themes and legal regimes (e.g., environmentalism, waste/pollution, trade and development etc.) in closer detail. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with the major issues in international environmental law and legal responses to these issues. They will also learn a range of theoretical perspectives and policy frameworks through lawyers conceptualize and frame international environmental problems and imagine possible solutions.
Much of the teaching is conversational and Q&A based, so students are required to read the assigned materials and come to class prepared to discuss them.