Module SXL-4923:
Environ Law & Global Sustainab
Environmental Law and Global Sustainability Challenges 2026-27
SXL-4923
2026-27
School Of History, Law And Social Sciences
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Stephen Clear
Overview
Environmental Law and Global Sustainability Challenges explores both domestic and international environmental law in a rapidly changing world, focusing on the legal frameworks that govern climate change, the marine environment, and global environmental sustainability.
Within this module students will examine both the theory and practice of environmental law both within the UK and internationally. Specifically, learners will explore how the law responds to pressing ecological challenges, from climate change to the governance of oceans, and land-based natural resources.
Through practical case studies, the module addresses global sustainability challenges, such as the role of the public sector through public sector purchasing, intergenerational equity, biodiversity loss, and international environmental treaties.
Throughout the seminars, students will gain a deeper understanding of how environmental law operates across national borders, the opportunities and limits of policy and regulation, and the ways in which legal tools can shape a more sustainable, resilient future for current and future generations.
Topics may include, but are not limited to, the legal principles and regulatory mechanisms governing sustainable land and marine environments, including land use planning, marine governance, and the protection of ecosystems for long-term environmental sustainability; analysis of the development and implementation of climate change law, focusing on both national legislation and international agreements, as well as the UN Framework; exploration of the role of public procurement and government purchasing in achieving environmental objectives; as well as an exploration of legal approaches towards promoting intergenerational equity and the protection of future generations, specifically through exploring the legal doctrines and governance mechanisms designed to safeguard long-term environmental interests.
Assessment Strategy
Excellent A- to A* (70%+) 路 Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding of the subject area. 路 Demonstrate extensive background study. 路Be well structured and highly focused. 路 Contain logically presented and defended arguments. 路 Be free of factual/computational errors. 路 Include significant elements of original interpretation. 路 Demonstrate an ability to identify, develop and present new links between topics. 路 Include new approaches to analysing and/or explaining a problem. 路 Be presented to very high standards with very accurate communication.
Good B- to B+ (60-69%) 路 Demonstrate strong knowledge and understanding of most of the subject area. 路 Demonstrate evidence of background study. 路 Be well structured and focused. 路 Contain coherently presented arguments. 路 Be mostly free of factual/computational errors. 路 Include some elements of original interpretation. 路 Describe well known links between topics. 路 Analyse and/or explain problems using existing methods/approaches. 路 Be presented to high standards with accurate communication.
C- to C+C- to C+ (50-59%) Demonstrate knowledge of key areas/principles. 路 Have some, if only limited, evidence of background study. 路 Be focussed on the question with only some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure. 路 Attempt to present relevant and logical arguments. 路 Not contain a large number of factual/computational errors. 路 Describe major links between topics. 路 Attempt to analyse and/or explain problems. 路 Be free of major weaknesses in presentation and accuracy.
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Summative Coursework Assignment.
Weighting
75%
Assessment method
Exam (Centrally Scheduled)
Assessment type
Summative
Description
In Class International Environmental Law Case Study.
Weighting
25%