Overview

Through this module students will gain a thorough understanding of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and associated parallel legal frameworks and policies at the international level, including international human rights law. The module aims to bring to the fore the high stakes involved in climate change and the reality of a climate crisis that is already impacting the lives and livelihoods of communities around the world.

The module will introduce students to the background, development and key elements of the UNFCCC, including mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage as well as the annual Conference of Parties (COP) process.

It will then go on to consider the ways in which climate change litigation is developing and diversifying, spreading to an increasing number of jurisdictions and areas of law. This growth and diversity reflect the urgency with which the climate crisis is now viewed.

Seminars will consider the ongoing expansion of human rights cases related to climate change concerns as well as related issues such as climate justice, displacement, the rights of Indigenous people and the ever increasingly precarious conditions faced by small island states.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -BU Marking Criteria for C- to C+ (50-59%) in the Regulations for Taught Programmes: https://www.bangor.ac.uk/regulations/regulations/reg01.php.en

-good -BU Marking Criteria for B- to B+ (60-69%) in the Regulations for Taught Programmes: https://www.bangor.ac.uk/regulations/regulations/reg01.php.en

-excellent -BU Marking Criteria for A- to A* (70%+) in the Regulations for Taught Programmes: https://www.bangor.ac.uk/regulations/regulations/reg01.php.en

Learning Outcomes

• Apply advanced research skills and methods to evaluate relevant primary and secondary sources, applying them in a focused and balanced way and using correct research methodology.

• Critically analyse and evaluate the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement and parallel associated legal frameworks and processes that contribute to the global response to climate change

• Critically analyse the advantages and disadvantages of the Framework Convention on Climate Change as an effective response to climate change.

• Develop a sophisticated critical analysis of key concepts and processes such as climate change mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, the UNFCCC negotiations, and parallel legal frameworks and processes.

• Develop the ability to communicate informed opinions and ideas on climate change to both experts and non-experts alike through written and spoken expression.