Course Description
Over the last forty years discussions of international environmental law and policy have grown in number and frequency, and treaties addressing the topic have become common. Many of the treaties contain concepts that have now become accepted as commonplace. This course examines the basic objectives, principles, techniques, and content of international environmental law and policy. It starts by examining the main environmental challenges and root causes, and then looks at the role that the global economic system plays in creating and perpetuating the problems. Once a foundation for understanding the genesis of the issues has been laid, various aspects of environmental concern are described, such as hazardous waste, ozone, climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity, oceans and freshwater resources. Major treaties will be reviewed and discussed. At the end of the course, students will be expected to know basic principles and issues of international environmental law and policy