This class will explore the scientific, legal and policy issues surrounding climate change. We will begin by looking at the scientific bases for human-induced changes in the atmosphere, and their resulting impacts on natural resources and human society, with a special focus on water resources in the Western U.S. Next the class will explore the international legal paradigm that attempts to regulate climate change, focusing on the Kyoto Protocol and subsequent events. Finally, we will look at legal developments in the U.S. including the Clean Air Act, tort suits, and market based proposals such as cap-and-trade and carbon taxes. The class will be interactive; students will be expected to engage in class discussion and presentations. Grades will be based on your presentations and a take-home final project.
Students
may complete their advanced writing requirement through
this course. This course is approved for and
counts toward completion of the Environmental and Natural
Resources Certificate.
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