ENVR 450 · Environmental Policy and Law
The creation, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws and policies at the international, national, and sub-national levels. Examination and critique of laws, principles, and policies dealing with issues such as climate change, pollution, and biological diversity. [3-0-0] Prerequisite: 4th-year class standing.
Course Content
Understanding Environmental Law: An introduction to the role of constitutions, laws, policies, actors, and institutions in addressing environmental problems
International Law Context: An exploration of the key treaties that influence domestic responses to climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution
Rights-based Approaches: An examination of how to address environmental challenges in ways that alleviate environmental injustices and promote human rights and/or rights of Nature
The Implementation Gap: An effort to identify the factors that continue to constrain the effective implementation and enforcement of environmental laws and policies
Recognizing Indigenous Law: An overview of Indigenous rights and laws in the context of Canadian environmental law and policy