The course “Climate law in crisis conditions” aims to provide a comprehensive study of the legal framework and principles in the field of climate change mitigation and adaptation at the international, regional, and national levels.

It covers many important topics and includes an examination of the nature and causes of the climate crisis and the scientific basis for climate action, emphasizing the crucial role of legal and regulatory frameworks. It examines the international climate legal framework – the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement. European climate policy and legislation are studied, with a focus on the European Green Deal, EU climate legislation, renewable energy directives, and the innovative Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism.

The course delves into critical aspects of the implementation and enforcement of climate legislation, looking at national approaches, corporate responsibility, climate litigation, and the role of the public. Students explore emerging trends and future challenges in climate law, preparing for the evolving legal environment of climate governance. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of climate law and its application in a global context.

To provide a holistic view of climate law, the course combines lectures, case studies, interactive discussions, and practical exercises. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, interpret, and contribute to the development of a legal framework to address the global climate crisis.

The target audience of the course – Master’s students of the Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University.

Course structure:

Module 1: Introduction to Climate Law

1. Understanding the climate crisis

Exploring the urgency of the climate crisis and its impact on the environment, society and economy.

2. Science beyond climate action

The scientific basis of climate change and the urgency of climate action.

3. The role of law in addressing climate change

Exploring the key role of the legal framework in mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

Module 2. International Climate Legal Framework

The UNFCCC: compliance mechanisms and implications

A comprehensive overview of the UNFCCC regime with a focus on compliance mechanisms and their implications.

– The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992): a detailed study of the UNFCCC, its origins and significance in climate diplomacy

– Kyoto Protocol (1997): analysis of the Kyoto Protocol and its role in international climate agreements

– The Paris Agreement (2015): an in-depth study of the landmark Paris Agreement, its goals and legal provisions.

Module 3: European climate policy and legislation

1. Climate policy and activities of the EU

Aims and objectives: to study the objectives of the European Union’s climate policy and greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

2. The European Green Deal and its legal implications

In-depth study of the European Green Deal and its legal implications for sustainable development.

3. EU climate law

In-depth understanding of the specific legal framework of the European Union in the field of climate change.

4. Renewable energy and energy efficiency directives

Analysis of legal directives aimed at the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

5. EU Emissions Trading System and the Carbon Border Management Mechanism

Analysis of the EU emissions trading system and implementation of the carbon allowance adjustment mechanism.

Module 4: Implementation and enforcement of climate legislation

1. Climate laws and regulations in selected countries: a comparative analysis of different national approaches

Comparative assessment of climate laws and regulations in different countries to understand their different approaches

2. 2. Climate legislation and corporate responsibility

A study of the legal obligations imposed on businesses in the area of climate change, including reporting, disclosure and liability

3. Climate litigation: the role of courts in holding governments and corporations accountable

An exploration of climate change litigation and the role of courts in enforcing climate decisions

4. Public participation: the role of civic engagement and activism in ensuring the implementation of climate action

To assess how public engagement and activism are critical to the enforcement of climate legislation.

Module 5: Climate law and policy in Ukraine: current state of affairs

1. International climate obligations of Ukraine

Analysis of Ukraine’s obligations under international climate agreements and their alignment with global climate goals.

2. Current national climate policy and regulations

Overview of the national climate legislation of Ukraine and assessment of its effectiveness. Place and role of local authorities in the implementation of national climate policy.

Module 6: New trends and future challenges in climate law

Emerging legal trends and future challenges in climate law: discussing the evolving legal environment and expected challenges in climate law, preparing students for the dynamic future of climate governance.

Teaching methods: The course will use a variety of teaching methods to provide a well-rounded learning experience: lectures, case studies, group discussions, guest lectures, legal research and analysis, moot court studies, student presentations, policy analysis, simulations, legal design thinking workshops, online resources, and webinars, etc.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

– Understand the challenges of climate change: understand the multifaceted challenges of climate change, including its impacts on the environment, society, and economy;

– Evaluate legal and governance frameworks: evaluate existing legal and governance frameworks at the international, national and regional levels, focusing on their effectiveness in addressing climate change;

– Analyse climate agreements: to analyze the main international climate agreements, their provisions, and implications for the participating countries, including compliance mechanisms;

– study national approaches: study climate laws and other regulations in specific countries, compare different national approaches, and assess their suitability for local conditions;

– Participate in climate litigation: study climate-related court cases, understand their significance, and evaluate the role of courts in holding governments and corporations accountable for climate-related issues;

– implement climate legislation: understand the practical aspects of implementing climate legislation and the challenges associated with enforcement;

– apply legal concepts: apply legal principles and governance strategies to address real climate crises and create sustainable solutions;

– develop critical thinking: develop critical thinking skills to analyze, evaluate and propose solutions to complex climate issues from a legal and governance perspective;

– develop collaborative skills: to work effectively in a collaborative environment, engaging different stakeholders to address climate issues;

– draft climate-related documents: develop legal documents, policies, and strategies related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, including a climate action plan.

Cities are known to play an important role in overcoming climate crises and achieving climate neutrality goals, as they consume more than 65% of the world’s energy and account for more than 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, they are at high risk of the negative effects of climate change, such as heat waves, extreme weather events, deterioration of air and water quality, and threatening environmental safety, life, and well-being of citizens.

The course “Legal Aspects of Climate Neutral and Smart Cities” aims to explore various aspects related to the evolution of the concept of “climate neutral cities” and to provide students with practical experience to effectively interpret, understand, and develop the legal framework for regulating “smart cities”. Throughout the course, students will explore the opportunities and challenges associated with smart cities from a legal and policy perspective, addressing a range of issues such as urban climate justice, sustainable transport, energy, innovative housing models, human rights, etc.

The course will first introduce students to the concept of “smart cities” in terms of climate neutrality, taking into account the most controversial feature of urban governance from the perspective of urban planning through the lens of recent legislative and public policy innovations at the European, national, regional and local levels.

A special emphasis will be placed on the post-war reconstruction of Ukrainian cities, which allows for an in-depth exploration of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Ukrainian urban areas during and after armed conflicts. The course examines the complex legal, political, and practical aspects of rebuilding and reimagining cities that have been devastated by war.

As a result of the course, students will be able to develop a model of a “Climate Neutral and Equitable Smart City Policy” in the form of a City Master Plan, which will cover the following issues: a) what should be the goals of a smart city; b) who should be involved in the development and implementation of the smart city concept; c) how to take into account different interests and involve stakeholders in the management of a smart city; d) what legal and regulatory framework can contribute to the effective implementation of the climate neutral city concept.

The target audience of the course – Master’s students of the Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University.

Course structure:

Module 1: Introduction to climate neutral cities

1. Understanding the concept of “climate neutrality”.
2. The importance of climate neutral cities.
3. Sustainable development goals and their alignment with smart cities.

Module 2. Climate neutral city: international and European legal framework

1. Modern legal structures for regulating smart cities.
2. Mechanisms for compliance and enforcement of legislation.
3. The need for an adaptive and innovative legal framework.

Module 3: Roadmap for climate-neutral cities

1. The role of government and local self-government in the development of climate-neutral cities.
2. Public-private partnerships in cities: the role of private enterprises in smart city initiatives.
3. Legal mechanisms for public engagement in smart city planning 3.4.

3.4 Case studies of smart cities (Amsterdam, Barcelona), as well as co-owner cities (Seoul, South Korea) or community cities (Turin, Italy).

Module 4. Creating a legal framework for climate-neutral cities

1. Incorporating climate goals, technologies and community participation.
2. Future trends in smart city regulation: new trends and challenges in climate neutral city regulation.
3. Legal pathways for smart and sustainable urban development.

Module 5: Current state and prospects of developing climate-neutral cities in Ukraine

1. International and European cooperation of Ukraine in the development of climate-neutral cities.
2. Legal ways to develop climate-neutral cities in Ukraine.
3. Post-war reconstruction of Ukraine: building smart cities and governments.

The main objective of the course is to provide a comprehensive fundamental understanding of the relevant discipline and case law principles, with a particular focus on recent developments in urban law, particularly in the context of smart cities.

This course will equip students with the necessary theoretical tools to understand the prevailing global dynamics affecting the urban environment. These include aspects such as urbanization, the impact of climate change on cities (requiring a reassessment of urban transport, infrastructure, housing, etc.), the emergence of new policy frontiers including smart cities, sustainable urban development, urban technology and the integration of the Internet of Things into the urban environment, and climate policy.

The course is designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge and analytical skills that will enable them to understand the transformations taking place in cities around the world, the policy strategies adopted by cities to address local and global challenges, the nature, and impact of these strategies, and the methodologies used in cities to study and evaluate regulatory innovations, formulate urban policies, and apply for grants. Students’ mastery of this knowledge will be assessed through practical assignments completed during laboratory sessions.

During this course, students will:

– investigate specific examples of urban legislation through research;

– study how municipal institutions influence, constrain, and facilitate policy-making;

– prepare a project proposal for a grant for an urban project (e.g. Urban Innovative Actions, Urbact, Horizon Europe, etc.)

– draft an urban policy document (e.g. urban plan, urban strategy, regulations).

Students are expected to be able to thoroughly analyse urban laws, policies, and specific urban initiatives, demonstrating a deep, critical understanding of the goals and challenges inherent in these policies and projects.