Through the Environmental Law Program, students have the opportunity to advocate for climate action and attend the United Nations COP Climate Change Conferences. Professor Jessica Owley and students have attended in the past in Dubai in 2023, Madrid in 2019 and Egypt in 2022.
Course Requirement
Selected students will enroll in two classes. First, students are required to take Climate Change Law and Policy in the Fall (2 units). Second, students will enroll in UN Climate Negotiations in the Spring (1 unit). Both classes are taught by Professor Jessica Owley. The first class explores climate change law on a broader scale considering local, state, federal, and international law. Particular time will be spent examining the Paris Agreement and the UN climate framework.
The Program Fee and Estimated Costs
Students should estimate $1,500 to participate in this program and must arrange their own travel to Dubai. Plane tickets are likely to be around $1,000. UM’s Environmental Law Program will be covering most of the in-country costs (hotel, breakfast, dinner, in-country transportation, some other incidentals). Students will need to find lunch each day. (The ELP is pursuing additional funding options to cover student airfare but cannot guarantee it at this time.)
Eligibility
This program is targeted at law students (J.D.s, LL.M.s, and S.J.D.s), but welcomes applications from graduate students outside the law school as well. Priority goes to students in the environmental law concentration and to students with a demonstrated interest in public international law and policy.
Application Process
To apply for this program, please submit the following materials.
- A statement of interest (no longer than 500 words) explaining why you wish to participate.
- Two references (not letters of recommendation), including at least one from a faculty member.
- An up-to-date resume.
- Your transcript.
For Information
This program is led by Professor Jessica Owley in conjunction with other environmental law faculty.
