Climate Change Law & Policy
Northwestern University
Environmental Studies
2024
Wil Burns
Undergraduate lecture
Readings from Underrepresented groups
Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of our generation, posing serious risks for both human institutions and natural ecosystems. This course explores the potential role of law in addressing these threats from both an institutional and policy lens. It discusses topics including the science behind climate change, key international treaties (such as the UNFCCC and Paris), national and state level responses to climate change, the role of litigation in addressing major emitters, and the potential role of climate geoengineering strategies. Assignments include a midterm and a final, and students will also be evaluated on participation, including on their responses to treaty-interpretation questions.