76041 Climate Law and Carbon Markets

Description

This subject examines climate change: one of the most pressing environmental problems of our era. It is a major business issue that is affecting law, policy and corporate behaviour. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has said that to avoid irreversible harm to the planet, we must stabilise greenhouse gas emissions. This will involve a significant and rapid reduction in 'business as usual' behaviours and require unprecedented cooperation at the international level with innovative national responses. This subject examines the potential role of the international and policy communities as well as the legal and business communities in confronting climate law. It analyses the existing and emerging legal rules and frameworks, both internationally and in Australia, alongside the impacts of these on business and the response from industry. Students critically evaluate the incentives for firms to comply and over-comply with environmental laws and participate in voluntary programs, as well as the role of business in adaptation measures and climate justice issues. This subject is taught using intensive seminars to enable students to immerse themselves in this exciting field of legal research and provides students with an early overview of the law and issues in the field, followed by time for in-depth research. In class learning builds on individual preparation, with class discussions and student co-facilitation forming the basis of each seminar session. Students practice their oral communication skills in collaboration with their peers, then take responsibility for presenting a topic and leading a discussion exploring options and solutions as a group. In addition, a major research task provides students with practice and feedback on an in-depth exploration of a topic of interest, building their research skills in this dynamic field.