CLIMATE AND ENERGY LAW

Description

This module is intended to introduce students to legal developments on climate change and energy, with an emphasis on interconnections between international, regional and UK levels. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of climate and energy law initiatives focusing on developments to transition to non-fossil fuel energy systems. Students will develop a critical understanding of key concepts and guiding principles behind climate and energy law. They will also build skills so they can critically engage with scholarly debates relating to the development of climate and energy law. The module focuses on selected topics and case-studies. It engages with contemporary debates on issues including climate and energy security and justice, the right to a healthy environment, planning law, energy infrastructure decommissioning and investment, sustainability, circular economy and net zero. Indicative content includes - Introduction to concepts and principles of climate change and energy law Climate change law and decarbonization strategies: UK, EU and international Planning and permits Finance: subsidies, emissions trading, taxes and insurance New nuclear and carbon capture storage and use Transport ¿ biofuels and electric Energy infrastructure: risk, resilience and decommissioning Smart energy systems: innovations, contracts and digital security Litigation: corporate and rights based Provide an introduction to climate change and energy law Provide opportunities to explore the interconnections between climate change and energy law internationally, regionally and in the UK Explore case-studies on contemporary legislative and policy initiatives to transition to net zero energy systems Foster advanced engagement with relevant literature on the topics covered Attributes Developed 001 Adopt a critical, analytical approach to legislative and policy measures addressing climate change and energy law CK 002 Develop reflection and communication skills when discussing relevant law and policy, identifying and assessing trends relating to the development of rights protection in relation to the environment CKT 003 Demonstrate a critical understanding of the policy context for the development of laws responding to climate change and transitioning away from carbon intensive energy systems CKPT 004 Demonstrate an awareness of and ability to discuss complex environmental challenges relating to climate change and sustainability, and potential measures to address them through transforming energy systems CKT 005 Critically apply acquired knowledge to novel problems and hypothetical situations when answering essay questions CPT 006 Develop digital capabilities to find and use relevant primary and secondary sources when undertaking independent reading and research CKPT