The first part of the course will provide students with an overview of the historical context, political processes and international institutions which are shaping the development of international environmental law. It will examine the role of UN institutions, regional negotiating blocs and the non-governmental community. An introduction to the incorporation of international environmental law in Australia and the management of the political processes in Australia will focus these concerns in the "here and now". In the second part, systemic concerns will be explored through case studies of the major sectoral issues current today. Lectures will examine the existing and emerging laws in each sector and view these as examples of the application of international environmental law principles. The challenges and possible solutions which may be adopted in each sector will be explored. The third part will return to the systemic concerns raised earlier and consider the ways ahead. Study will focus on some of the many aspects of regime design and the trade and environment interface. These include the use of dispute resolution, compliance mechanisms, trade sanctions, eco-taxes, environmental standards and ecolabels in international trade, and the roles of institutions such as the WTO, UNCTAD and APEC. The increasing use of economic instruments in the international context, such as prior informed consent, polluter pays, liability and tradeable emissions quotas, will be considered. The course will conclude with discussion on the future challenges and directions facing international environmental law.
Prerequisite or corequisite: LAWS2081 Public International Law or equivalent.