Energy law and international climate change (MFJ310)

Content

This course is taught in three parts between three different universities: The University of Stavanger, Cardiff University and the Aix-Marseille University. The first part of the course reviews the sources, principles and rules of international energy law, European energy law, and energy law in some important national jurisdictions, as well as the regulation of both conventional and renewable energy resources, with a specific focus on offshore wind regulations. The second part of the course reviews the sources, principles and rules of international law and important national jurisdictions in which environmental and technological drivers and issues impact the transition from the current energy regime to a sustainable energy regime to achieve the international climate agenda. Part three of the course examines in detail the sources, principles and rules of the international climate change regime (UNFCCC/Kyoto Protocol/Paris Agreement) and its related legal mechanisms; the legal obligations deriving from the climate regime and how they affect the energy sector (a major source of emissions); the international regulation of renewable energy sources and their support and an assessment of the existing trade barriers raised for the defense of climate change.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Upon completion of the course, students will:

• Have an understanding of the rules and principles of international energy law and the international climate regime;
• Have knowledge of the complexity that technology brings to combating climate change and technology’s impact on environmental issues
• Have an understanding of the economic, political and philosophical context of international rules and principles related to energy, and their application and relevance in national jurisdictions.

Skills

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain the interaction between energy resources and the goals set to reduce climate change through technological advances and environmental limitations;
• Reflect on various energy law topics and ask critical questions from a legal perspective;
• Work independently and carry out an integrated and comprehensive legal analysis of national and transnational energy law issues; 
• Demonstrate the ability to make assessments with regard to disciplinary, social and ethical aspects and demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work;
• Demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used; and
• Demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for their ongoing learning.

Required prerequisite knowledge

One must have passed a bachelor's degree in law or a degree that combines law and economics. In the latter case, at least 50 credits must be in legal subjects and the Legal Method.

Students are expected to have some prior knowledge of public international law.

Exam

Course teacher(s)

Course teacher:

Aaron Martin Cooper

Course coordinator:

Kristoffer Svendsen

Method of work

Lectures, seminars (case studies that the students prepare beforehand and present).

Open for

Course assessment

Students will have the opportunity to give feedback on the course first in an early dialogue, and then in a written course evaluation at the end of the course.

Literature