Module 3 - Climate Change Law- ENGLISH (10 heures)

  • Course 1

The Complexity of Climate Change Law

Importance of complexity as mode of representation of the world, and of the defining global issue of our time: climate change. Analysis of the three main pillars at the origins of Climate Change Law: science, (geo)politics, and international law.

  • Course 2

The Evolution of the United Nations Climate Change Regime: Rio de Janeiro, Kyoto and Paris

Concept of international climate change regime. Analysis of its therre fundamental legal texts: the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the 1997 Kyoto Protocol and the 2015 Paris Agreement.

  • Course 3

EU and French Climate Action

Origins of EU climate policy framework; climate targets and long-term strategies. Focus on Emission Trading System (ETS), its transposition in France, and comparison with other legal experiences. French climate engagements; climate plan; Energy-Climate Law and main legal provisions; High Council for the Climate; and Citizens’ Convention on Climate.

  • Course 4

Principles of Climate Change Law

Evolution of main principles related to climate change (precaution, prevention, common but differentiated responsibility, etc.) from Rio Declaration to the latest jurisprudence, and new formulations (eg: Oslo Principles, Global Pact for the Environment). International and comparative law perspectives.

  • Course 5

Climate Change Legal Mechanisms

Study of the variety of legal mechanisms and regulatory approaches to address climate change issues in France and abroad. From direct regulation to taxes and subsidies, from environmental planning and impact assessment to institutional arrangements.

  • Course 6

Climate Change Litigation in Comparative and International Perspectives

Analysis of this fairly new phenomenon, through which citizens and NGOs challenge local authorities and national governments' actions or inaction. Exemples before domestic courts (France, The Netherlands, Pakistan, Australia, The United States, etc.) and at the regional and international level (European, African and Inter-American Systems of Human Rights, UN Human Rights Committee, UN Committe on the Rights of the Child, etc.)