International Environmental Law and Policy

Exploration of how society addresses international environmental issues that transcend national boundaries, using cases and conceptual topics. Cases include in-depth discussions of climate change and biodiversity protection, with briefer coverage of ozone depletion, long-range air pollution, endangered species trade, and global fisheries management. Conceptual sessions examine historical and causal structure of global environmental problems; foundations of international politics and law; and government functions such as scientific assessment, negotiation, organizational management, implementation, and compliance monitoring. Additional topics may include exploration of links between environment and other issues such as trade, security, and development. Emphasizing a synthetic perspective, study applies research insights to advance practical understanding of current challenges. Study also uses theory to analyze specific issues, and evidence to refine theoretical claims. Concurrently scheduled with LAW 438. In Progress grading (credit to be given only on completion of course 287B).