by From Maria Alejandra Madi For instance, the growing quantity of legal proceedings pertaining to passivity on climate change represents a noteworthy advancement in the endeavour to safeguard the natural environment. The high-profile legal case known as the “Case of the Century” in France has garnered significant attention, as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have levied accusations against the French state for its perceived inadequate efforts in addressing climate change. This litigation has propelled climate-related legal disputes to the forefront of public discourse. Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the volume of climate change-related legal cases, with numerous examples being observed globally. In her book titled “Justice Climatique:
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from Maria Alejandra Madi
For instance, the growing quantity of legal proceedings pertaining to passivity on climate change represents a noteworthy advancement in the endeavour to safeguard the natural environment. The high-profile legal case known as the “Case of the Century” in France has garnered significant attention, as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have levied accusations against the French state for its perceived inadequate efforts in addressing climate change. This litigation has propelled climate-related legal disputes to the forefront of public discourse. Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the volume of climate change-related legal cases, with numerous examples being observed globally.
In her book titled “Justice Climatique: Procès et actions,” Marta Torre-Schaub examines the phenomena of the judicialization of climate issues and the role of court-based activism. Climate litigation refers to the legal proceedings that involve the examination of factual or legal matters pertaining to the nature or regulations surrounding the causes and consequences of climate change. The book offers a compelling overview of climate litigation, encompassing a diverse range of cases. Climate litigation mostly focuses on private corporations, with a special emphasis on major oil companies such as ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, among others.
Certain judges have exhibited an increased willingness to entertain climate justice claims, positing that the judiciary bears a responsibility to respond to governmental inaction and indifference. The outcome of the highly significant legal case is expected to serve as a catalyst for additional endeavours, prompting other entities to lodge grievances against both polluting entities and regulatory bodies.
Moreover, there is a relevant concern related to the growing use of new technologies that has resulted in a race for strategic minerals in developing countries, resulting in rivalries between states, corporations, and citizens. According to Sudnaram (2023) China is presently in the forefront of global rare earth production, possessing more than one-third of the world’s recognised reserves of rare earth elements (REE).
New mineral extraction frontiers are growing, and mining practises endanger ecological fragility and vulnerability. Lithium mining has been contentious due to the negative environmental effects it has on ecosystems and populations. Extractive mining processes frequently deplete, contaminate, and restrict access to clean water, resulting in biodiversity loss and degraded hydrological systems. Besides, exploration and mining in the Arctic and on the seafloor might have severe environmental implications, including mass extinctions of sensitive arctic and marine life.
Considering this background, the UN Secretary General’s Transforming Education Summit has confirmed that education must be transformed to respond to the global climate and environmental crisis. Indeed, Green education can be further promoted in the Economics curriculum, including topics related to sustainability, environmental science, and climate change through their studies or extra-curricular activities.
There are several online courses available on sustainability, climate change, and environmental science that universities can promote. For instance, Harvard University offers free online courses on sustainability and climate change. The University of Oxford also offers eight-week online courses on sustainability in partnership with Pearson. Coursera provides a wide range of sustainability courses offered by top universities and industry leaders. Moreover, Harvard Extension School offers many course graduate programs in sustainability.
Professors can play a crucial role in promoting sustainability courses at universities. Here are some recommendations for professors related to sustainability courses at universities:
Develop a green curriculum: Professors can develop a green curriculum that includes courses on sustainability, environmental science, and climate change. This can help students gain in-depth knowledge on sustainability issues and prepare them for careers in sustainability.
Encourage students to participate in green initiatives: Professors can encourage students to participate in green initiatives such as recycling programs, energy conservation campaigns, and community service projects1. This can help students develop a sense of responsibility towards the environment and promote sustainable practices.
Teach with ecological footprints: Professors can teach with ecological footprints to help students understand the impact of their actions on the environment. This can help students develop a sense of responsibility towards the environment and promote sustainable practices.
References
Marta Torre-Schaub, 2023, Justice Climatique: Procès et actions, CNRS éditions, 2023
Jomo Kwame Sundaram, 2023, Dangerous Scramble for Renewable Energy Resources. https://www.networkideas.org/news-analysis/2023/09/dangerous-scramble-renewable-energy-resources/