International Environmental Law (ILO-L223)

Fall 2024 · ILO L223 · Tufts University · 3 credits · Undergraduate

International environmental challenges rank among the most serious threats to peace, security, and sustainable development. This course examines how the international community is responding, focusing on the major international treaties and diplomatic initiatives of today. The course surveys global action on climate change, biodiversity loss, terrestrial and ocean conservation, ozone depletion, air and marine pollution, plastics, and hazardous chemicals. The course also examines cross-cutting themes, including the structure and patterns in environmental geopolitics, law and diplomacy, the role of foreign aid and private capital, links between trade and environmental policy, and emerging ideas relating to environmental justice. Thematic discussions are often explored in the context of the climate crisis, the most active and high-profile area of environmental diplomacy. The course includes a simulated international negotiating session that is timed to preview the outcomes of the annual global climate summit, offering students a chance to compare their solutions to those in the real world. The course is hybrid, with in-person discussions lead by the professor and virtual meetings featuring outstanding guest lecturers (environmental diplomats, legal experts, and advocates) from around the world.

Course codes: ILO-L223

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