Title: Re-Imagining Environmental Law in an Age of Sovereignty and Control
Date: 23rd November 2016
Time: 12.30 to 17.30 (followed by reception)
Location: Outreach centre, University of Edinburgh
Details:
Re-Imagining Environmental Law in an Age of Sovereignty and Control
23rd Nov 2016, Outreach Centre, University of Edinburgh
The lessons of the last thirty years have been that environmental law is inherently multi-level. Addressing environmental problems engages all levels of government and also requires co-operation between different levels. Practice and scholarship has evolved, often in quite sophisticated ways, to address this state of affairs.
The outcome of the EU referendum, along with its accompanying focus on sovereignty and control, stands in sharp contrast with these developments in environmental law. We find ourselves in uncharted political, intellectual and legal territory. The challenge for practitioners and scholars moving forward is how to evolve an inherently multi-level subject in light of these circumstances in a robust and legitimate way. While Brexit is a distinct UK phenomenon, the issues it raises for environmental law are not. How much room is there in environmental law for sovereignty and control? How will existing structures of cooperation be reshaped in light of this paradigm shift? Does theory need to adapt in order to accommodate changes to the political and legal realities? In short, how do we reimagine environmental law in light of shifting political discourses?
This half day workshop explores these issue from a variety of perspectives. The workshop has a twofold purpose: to deepen the debate and to start to develop a conceptual frame for moving forward. The changing landscape will be considered from the perspective of different levels of governance; specific subject areas; and in relation to both practice and academe.
The event is free but space is limited and prior registration is required. To register please email liz.fisher@law.ox.ac.uk
The event is organized and supported by the Journal of Environmental Law (OUP) and the School of Law, University of Edinburgh.
PROGRAMME
12.30 Lunch
1.30 Introduction: The Impact of Brexit on the Environment: Exploring the Dynamics of a Complex Relationship
Professor Chris Hilson (University of Reading)
2pm The View From Here: Multilevel Perspectives on Environmental Law in a Changing World
Perspectives from the devolved regions, EU, and international law. Panellists include Professor Bob Lee (Birmingham), Professor Joanne Scott (UCL) and Dr Francesco Sindico (Strathclyde).
3pm COFFEE
3.20pm: Different Areas, Different Challenges?
The multi-level nature of environmental law varies depending on subject area – a situation that reflects the complexity of multi-level governance. Panellists include Dr James Harrison (Edinburgh), Professor Maria Lee (UCL), Navraj Singh Ghaleigh (Edinburgh).
4.20pm Practice and Theory
Exploring the changing landscape from the perspective of academia and practice. Panellists include Dr Ole Pedersen (Newcastle) and Dr Sophia Kopela (Lancaster).
5.10pm Summing Up and Conclusions
5.20pm Announcement of Richard Macrory Prize for Best Article published in the Journal in 2016.
5.30 Drinks