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The Law and Policy of Climate Change: Influencing Decision Makers

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Brief Introduction

Empirical data demonstrate that the climate is changing and that these changes could produce increasingly serious consequences over the course of this century

Course Summary

This course provides an overview of the legal and policy frameworks underpinning global efforts to address climate change. It explores how these frameworks can be used to influence decision-makers at all levels of government and society.

Key Learning Points

Learn about the legal and policy frameworks related to climate change
Explore strategies for influencing decision-makers at all levels
Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of climate change policy

Learning Outcomes

Understand the legal and policy frameworks related to climate change
Develop strategies for influencing decision-makers at all levels
Assess the challenges and opportunities of climate change policy

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic understanding of climate change issues
Interest in legal and policy frameworks

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

Similar Courses

Climate Change and Health
Energy Within Environmental Constraints

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Naomi Klein
Greta Thunberg

Related Books

Description

Course description

Empirical data demonstrate that the climate is changing and that these changes could produce increasingly serious consequences over the course of this century. This course explores the legal framework in which adaptation actions occur and the policy tools available to regulators. We explore several climate change adaptation measures in-depth to provide a window into the relationship between legal and policy strategies at the federal, state, and municipal levels, including how these relationships create opportunities and obstacles to climate change adaptation. Students strategize how to develop and implement legally defensible adaptation measures that are supported by stakeholders, including drafting implementation and supporting documents. The course begins with a brief introduction to climate change and its projected impacts, and then reviews the legal framework of climate change law, including the evolution of climate change related laws in the United States and related litigation. This analysis focuses on the federal level, but also considers the separate authority of states and municipalities to take action. Massachusetts and Cambridge are the primary case studies for the course. Substantive issues that are addressed include administrative law and the relationship between congressional statutes and agency regulations; the structure of the federal Clean Air Act and history of air regulation in the United States; federalism, particularly the relationship between federal, state, and municipal governments in regulating air pollution; and the judicial review processes. The course applies this legal framework to an in-depth review of specific climate change adaptation issues, such as strategies for managing development in flood-prone areas. In this context, the course examines a range of legal and policy tools. At the federal level, for instance, we consider the implications of federal maps that designate flood risk areas without considering projected impacts of climate change and incentives created by federally-subsidized flood insurance. The course then considers strategies for improving regulation and removing obstacles to adaptation measures, including through state and local actions, such as revised building codes and zoning laws. We review the process that municipalities often follow in climate change adaptation planning, with a focus on the technical and legal challenges that communities need help addressing. Through this analysis students learn about substantive legal issues, such as preemption and takings law, procedural aspects of rulemakings, and opportunities for public involvement in policy and regulatory development. In addition to learning about the substantive legal issues covered in the course, students develop or practice legal research skills associated with researching statutes and regulations and interpreting judicial decisions. Students also gain experience with activities relevant to designing and implementing adaptation strategies by writing comments on regulations, drafting statutory or regulatory language, and writing corporate climate change statements.

Summary of User Reviews

This course on law and policy around climate change has received positive reviews from many users. Key aspects that users appreciated include the practical nature of the course and the knowledgeable instructors. However, some users found the course material to be too basic and lacking in depth.