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Unit of study_

LAWS6921: Comparative Climate Law

2022 unit information

This unit adopts a comparative approach to understanding the dynamics of one of the most pressing global environmental concerns - global climate change. The objective is to provide postgraduate and undergraduate students with an understanding of the legal frameworks governing one of the most pressing global issues - climate change. The outcomes include detailed knowledge and comparative analysis imparted by some of the world's leading climate law academics. In particular, the overarching international legal framework - the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its successors especially the 2015 Paris Agreement - will be discussed in detail. The unit will critically assess progress in meeting the aims of the Paris Agreement. The three largest international emitters are China, the United States, and the European Union. The legal and policy responses of these three jurisdictions will be critically analysed and compared. An Australian case study is set against international legal obligations and the efforts in the highest emitting jurisdictions. Students will engage with academic literature, lectures presented in mixed media formats, small group discussion and they will be given the opportunity to contribute original research by way of the research assignment.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Law

Code LAWS6921
Academic unit Law
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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None

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Demonstrate an ability to assess the respective roles and responsibilities of governments and the courts at the international and domestic levels to respond to the challenges of climate change.
  • LO2. Demonstrate an understanding of using law, policy and budget measures as instruments to reduce emissions from the energy and forestry sectors.
  • LO3. Demonstrate an ability to assess the role of national competition policy and deregulation in reducing emissions from Australia’s National Electricity Market.
  • LO4. Demonstrate an increased understanding of carbon capture and storage as an emissions avoidance technology in Australia and internationally.
  • LO5. Develop and demonstrate research-based skills.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

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There are no availabilities for this year.
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Intensive November 2022
Block mode Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Intensive November 2022
Block mode Remote

Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.

Important enrolment information

Departmental permission requirements

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You will be prompted to apply for departmental permission when you select this unit in Sydney Student.

Read our information on departmental permission.

Additional advice

Academic Profile: https://sydney.edu.au/law/about/people/list.php. The unit is also available on a Continuing Professional Development basis https://sydney.edu.au/law/study-law/continuing-professional-development.html