The purpose of this course
is to introduce students to the law that has developed
in response to climate change. The course will
begin with a brief introduction to the science behind
climate change and the impact climate change is currently
having on many communities across the world. Particular
attention will be paid to the unique effects climate
change is having on indigenous populations. Next,
the course will explore international law related to
climate change. Specifically, students will learn
about the Kyoto Protocol and the EU ETS. Students
will also learn about other international efforts to
address climate change, such as the development of
a carbon exchange in China. Students will then
turn their attention to domestic efforts to address
climate change by studying regional, such as the Regional
Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and state, such as the many
Californian initiatives, efforts. Students will
also study pending bills in Congress related to climate
change. Finally, students will study tribal solutions
to climate change, such as the Nez Perce’s development
of a carbon portfolio through carbon sequestration.
Grades will be based on student participation and
completion of a final research paper. 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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