CEMS2190 Introduction to International Environmental Law (5 cr)

The overall aim of the course is to provide students with a broad introduction to international and European environmental law’s main topics and developments, including its sources and fundamental principles, law-making processes, main actors, implementation and key compliance procedures. While the focus of the course is on the international and European environmental law, the course also highlights examples from national environmental law. The course does not presume any previous knowledge of the law or legal experience.

Connection to UN sustainable development goals

The course supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 Peace, justice and strong institutions. Compliance with environmental legislation is a key factor in successful environmental management. By providing an overview of the role of environmental law at different levels of governance, the course enhances sustainable development in developing effective, accountable and transparent institutions as well as ensures responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• understand with the basic concepts and role of environmental law in the different levels of environmental governance.
• define the importance of international and European environmental law in the protection of the environment
• identify the main actors involved in the development of environmental law
• give a description on the historical evolution of international and European environmental law and identifies the key legal instruments in its evolution and on the sources, major principles and key concepts of international and European environmental law

Van Calster, Geert & Reins, Leonie (eds.) 2015. EU Environmental Law. Edward Elgar. pages 1-150

Koivurova, Timo 2014. Introduction to International Environmental Law. Routledge. the whole book

Additional material assigned by the lecturer.