After studying the course the students should be able to:
* Explain the role of international and global environmental law towards achieving environmental protection
* Explain how the concept of sustainable development impacts legal developments
* Explain the core characteristic of regulation and liability in view of steering economic activities
* Explain the relevance of procedural rights for environmental policies
* Explain, based on literature and case law discussed during this course, how climate science may play a role in the courtroom
* Develop a well-motivated opinion on core topics and concepts discussed during the course

Politics, national governments, and legal approaches play a key role in the contemporary sustainability debate. This course provides a combined perspective on the role of environmental law, the state and politics and their interaction in shaping sustainable development. The course provides an understanding of the steering role of the state in a historical context, the functioning of national governments in liberal democracies and other political regimes, and how these contexts affect sustainability policies and laws differently. Thereby, different regulatory and liability approaches are introduced in focusing on the steering of economic activities in a more sustainable direction. The course also examines the various roles of state and non-state actors in international politics and rulemaking, and discusses the inherent prospects and limitations of different legal approaches to steer sustainable development. Unpacking the power imbalances between these actors and the very political nature of sustainable development efforts, the course offers a critical perspective on the tensions between nation states, civil society and business in (inter)national negotiations.

An electronic reference list is available through Key Links. In addition, students may have to download some additional information as indicated in the descriptions of the lectures and tutorials provided through Canvas.

This course is in transition.

The following rule applies to master Sustainability Science, Policy and Society students, who started the programme prior to academic year 2023/24.
TRANSITIONAL REGULATION (SSP2052):
Students who previously followed SSP2052 can repeat SSP2052 in AY23/24 and can take an exam-only in AY24/25 or take the new course in AY23/24 P2 and have an exam-only option in AY24/25.

Use Ask SBE to register
Education deadline: December 3, 2023
Exam deadline: March 10, 2024
Resit deadline: May 12, 2024

See the Transitional Regulations section in the Master Education and Examination Regulations for more information.

* International and global environmental law
* Regulatory approaches, including economic instruments
* Liability of economic operators, including its transnational dimension
* Environmental Rights, including environmental procedural rights, for victims and NGO's