Lectures on: International and European Law and Policy on Climate Change

This course addresses the underpinnings of international and European policy on climate change. Why is it so difficult to create a post-2012 climate regime? Does the EU still show leadership in the current climate negotiations? What role can be played by a small country like Switzerland? This course provides an overview of the UN framework (the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol) and the policies adopted by the European Union and Switzerland to address climate change, in particular the European Emission Trading Scheme and the policies adopted to promote renewable energies and energy efficiency.

In addition to the theoretical approach, we will, in particular, explore the bargaining strategies that have been used by Parties in the run-up to Cancun and the issues at stake at the Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC in Durban at the end of 2011. No preliminary knowledge of climate change policy is requested for this course.