Climate change presents profound governance challenges from local to global scales. This seminar will broadly explore how public and private institutions are acting to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases to limit the extent of climate change (mitigation) and to prepare for the effects of climate change that cannot be avoided (adaptation). Topics covered may include: science and public perceptions of climate change; biophysical impacts; impacts of climate change in various economic sectors (e.g., finance, agriculture, insurance); public regulation of greenhouse gas emissions; energy policy for mitigation; protection of endangered species; common law and other novel legal remedies; geoengineering policy; private sector mitigation and adaptation initiatives; local and national planning and regulation for climate change adaptation; climate change policy equity; and human rights to a livable climate. Students will prepare a research paper on a topic related to climate change governance and fulfill other requirements. Enrollment limited.
