Climate Law in Turbulent Times

Climate Law in Turbulent Times

The Course Convenor: Dr. Ievgeniia Kopytsia 


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Course Overview


This master’s-level course at the Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University comes at a critical moment when the world faces unprecedented challenges in addressing climate change. The global community is simultaneously grappling with multiple crises: Russia’s war against Ukraine and its widespread implications for global security and energy markets, numerous armed conflicts across different regions of the world, stressed energy markets, supply chain disruptions, currency inflation, and intensifying climate extremes including droughts, wildfires, floods, and cyclones. These compounding crises create new obstacles for international cooperation and climate action, yet make such collaboration more crucial than ever. Despite this turbulence, the international community must remain committed to achieving crucial transitions in our physical and social systems to mitigate dangerous environmental changes while maintaining economic stability and equity. This course provides a comprehensive study of legal frameworks and principles governing climate change mitigation and adaptation, examining how legal systems can effectively respond to these challenges at international, regional, and national levels.

Course Structure

The curriculum is organized into six modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Climate Law Module 2: International Climate Legal Regime Module 3: European Climate Policy and Legislation Module 4: Implementation and Enforcement of Climate Legislation Module 5: Ukraine’s Climate Law and Policy Module 6: Emerging Trends and Future Challenges

MODULE 1

Module 1 establishes the foundational understanding of the climate crisis and its far-reaching implications. Students explore the environmental, social, and economic impacts of climate change, examining the scientific basis that underpins climate action. The module emphasizes the crucial role of legal frameworks in addressing climate change challenges, focusing on both mitigation strategies and adaptation measures.

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MODULE 2

This module provides an in-depth examination of the UN Climate Change Framework, with particular attention to compliance mechanisms and their implications. Students undertake a detailed analysis of key international agreements, beginning with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992), progressing through the Kyoto Protocol (1997), and culminating in a thorough study of the Paris Agreement (2015). The evolution of international climate law and its impact on global climate action is a central theme.

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module 3

The third module focuses on the European Union’s comprehensive approach to climate action. Students examine EU climate policy objectives and greenhouse gas reduction targets, along with the transformative European Green Deal and its legal implications. The module covers the EU climate law framework, including renewable energy and energy efficiency directives. Special attention is given to innovative mechanisms such as the EU Emissions Trading System and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

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module 4

Module 4 delves into the practical aspects of climate law enforcement. Through comparative analysis, students explore various national approaches to climate legislation. The module examines corporate responsibility in climate action, the growing importance of climate litigation, and the role of courts in enforcing climate commitments. The significance of public participation and activism in ensuring effective implementation of climate legislation is also explored.

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module 5

This module provides a focused examination of Ukraine’s position in the global climate regime. Students analyze Ukraine’s international climate commitments and their alignment with global objectives. The module covers current national climate policy and regulations, with particular attention to the role of local authorities in implementing national climate initiatives. This section offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of climate law implementation in the Ukrainian context.

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module 6

The final module prepares students for the evolving landscape of climate law. It examines emerging legal trends and anticipated challenges in climate governance. Students explore how the legal environment is adapting to new climate realities and consider future developments in climate law. This forward-looking module equips students with the perspective needed to engage with emerging issues in climate governance.

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Teaching Methods

The course employs diverse teaching approaches including lectures and guest speakers, case studies and group discussions, legal research and analysis, moot courts, student presentations, policy analysis, simulation exercises, legal design thinking workshops, and online resources and webinars.


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, students will be able to:

Comprehend the multifaceted challenges of climate change


Evaluate legal and governance frameworks at multiple levels


Analyze international climate agreements and their implications

Compare and assess national approaches to climate legislation

Engage with climate litigation

Understand practical aspects of climate law implementation

Apply legal principles to real-world climate crises

Develop critical thinking skills for complex climate issues

Collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders

Draft climate-related documents, policies, and action plans

Target Audience

This course is designed for master’s students at the Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University who are interested in environmental law, international law, and climate governance.