LAWS 7017 International Climate Change Law

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 200949

Coordinator John Juriansz Opens in new window

Description This subject examines the current international legal frameworks and discussion of future climate change scenarios. It will explore the legal, political and scientific challenges in addressing and responding to climate change. It will illustrate how international climate change law interacts with national law, including private sector involvement, but its principal focus is not on domestic law regimes. Market and non-market mechanisms such as emission trading systems, carbon taxes, new technologies and renewable energy targets will be examined.

School Law

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Co-requisite(s) LAWS 7027

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 2824 Master of Laws, 2784 or 2810 Master of Laws (International Governance), 8083 Bachelor of Research Studies, 8084 Master of Research - HC or 8085 Master of Research - LC.

Assumed Knowledge

Students must have completed law degree (Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor) or equivalent in any jurisdiction.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate mastery of knowledge to critically evaluate the global legal frameworks underpinning climate change law and demonstrate an understanding of key international climate change initiatives and their implementation.
  2. Demonstrate mastery of knowledge to apply the concepts and principles of international climate change law to issues involving mitigation and adaptation.
  3. Integrate theoretical and practical knowledge to undertake independent research and analysis to produce a written essay demonstrating an understanding of international climate law in a defined context that is clear, analytical, appropriately structured and referenced.

Subject Content

1. The role of law in responding to climate change.
2. The science and economics of climate change.
3. The International Climate Change Framework.
4. UNFCC and the Kyoto Protocol - Flexibility Mechanisms - Compliance - Post Copenhagen and Paris Conference of Parties.
5. Australia's legislative response to climate change - emissions trading - carbon taxes - renewable energy targets.
6. Climate Law in developed and developing countries - common but differentiated responsibilities.
7. Mitigation and Adaptation.

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Class Participation - Oral Presentation Individual task - oral presentation - scheduled throughout term 20 N Individual
Research Assignment 5,000 words 80 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Prescribed materials will be available on vUWS.

Teaching Periods

Structures that include subject