Environmental Law Seminar: Law of Oceans & Coasts

Catalog description

This course explores the evolution of the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its relation to other multilateral environmental agreements as a case study of the progressive development of international law. Specifically, the students will develop an understanding of the following: (1) history, structure, and functioning of UNCLOS, including existing limitations and its impact on legal/regulatory landscape at the global, regional and national levels; (2) legal implications of climate change impacts on the ocean; (3) governance of the Arctic via multilateral agreements, and the regulatory functions of the regional/international organizations in the Arctic; (4) challenges and opportunities associated with the international legally binding instrument under UNCLOS on conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction; and (7) theories and concepts on international law, customary international law, and legal principles.