EVS-702: Global Environmental Governance: UN & International Law

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This doctoral-level course examines the evolution, architecture, and performance of global environmental governance with a focus on the United Nations system and international environmental law. Students will critically analyze the development of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), the role of key institutions such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and treaty secretariats, and the legal principles that underpin international environmental law. Key topics include the history of global environmental governance (Stockholm, Rio, Johannesburg, Rio+20); the law-making process; principles such as common but differentiated responsibilities, precaution, and sustainable development; case studies of MEAs on climate change (UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement), biodiversity (CBD, CITES, Ramsar), and hazardous substances; compliance and enforcement mechanisms; the fragmentation of international environmental law; and the emerging challenges of the Anthropocene. The course emphasizes critical evaluation of governance effectiveness, equity, and the interface between science, policy, and law.

COURSE TEACHING OBJECTIVES

1. Analyze the historical evolution of global environmental governance from the 1972 Stockholm Conference to the present.
2. Explain the architecture of the UN environmental governance system, including UNEP, the multilateral environmental agreement secretariats, and the role of other UN bodies.
3. Apply the key legal principles of international environmental law to contemporary environmental problems.
4. Evaluate the design, implementation, and effectiveness of multilateral environmental agreements across different issue areas (climate, biodiversity, chemicals, oceans).
5. Critically assess the challenges of fragmentation, coordination, compliance, and equity in global environmental governance, and explore proposals for reform.

COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

1. Trace the institutional and legal evolution of global environmental governance through key UN conferences and milestones.
2. Identify and explain the functions of major UN bodies, treaty secretariats, and financing mechanisms relevant to environmental governance.
3. Interpret and apply core principles of international environmental law to case studies.
4. Compare the governance architectures of climate change, biodiversity, and chemicals regimes.
5. Critically evaluate the performance and legitimacy of global environmental governance and formulate evidence-based reform proposals.

Organization of Course Studies

The course is organized into five study periods (typically 2 weeks each, though self-paced). Each period includes intensive reading of the assigned textbook, viewing of the supplementary video, and a short response paper or ethical analysis (500–1,000 words) reflecting on the material and its application.