International Environmental Law

Explores how the international community has managed and mismanaged global environmental problems since the watershed UN Conference on Environment and Development in 1992. Involves a mix of readings, discussions, and simulations in various fields of international environmental law, with a particular focus on climate change, biodiversity, and international regulation of toxic hazards. Cross-cutting themes include North/South disputes, the precautionary principle, liability as a compliance mechanism, and the involvement of non-state actors in creating and implementing international environmental law. The major assignment for the course will be a seminar research paper.