Energy Projects and Environmental Law (Advanced) module (LW41029)

Environmental law is a vast and highly diversified field of law. This module aims to introduce key areas. The international legal framework on climate change sets up certain obligations on countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of global warming. How each state can respond to these, and install its obligations, varies depending on its capacity and its vulnerability to the effects of climate change.

Implementation is problematic, especially concerning adaptation. The fact that the impact of climate change affects so many aspects of life means that it is difficult to give one organisation responsibility for addressing it. That makes national legislation challenging to draft and properly implement.

Ensuring that the people harmed by climate change can hold greenhouse gas emitters to account has been an increasing litigation focus in recent years. Lawyers are looking for approaches that stop emissions, improve national policy, or secure damages for harm done through past emissions.

In addition, companies are becoming more aware of the potential financial consequences of climate change. New ESG (environment, social, and governance) reporting systems are now being set up to help companies and investors understand these impacts. These will also increase transparency and help the financing activities that will be more sustainable in the long run.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• understand the impacts of energy projects
• learn about planning and related consents, both on land and offshore
• learn about Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment
• gain knowledge about regulation at global, regional, and national levels
• understand corporate social responsibility, public participation, and stakeholder engagement

Assignments / assessment

• one applied assignment (30%)
• one analytical or reflective essay or report (70%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

The module will be delivered through seminars, independent study and tutorials.