Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of this subject students should (1) understand the interrelationship between international law and international environmental law and how international environmental law has developed as a separate area of law; (2) have acquired a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of international environmental law, including its historical development, conventions and treaties that have been negotiated to deal specifically with global environmental problems; (3) have extended their basic understanding and knowledge of how the international community has addressed global environmental problems; (4) be able to critically analyse the ways in which global environmental problems are addressed by the international community in particular the adoption of framework conventions and protocols; (5) demonstrate a capacity to conduct systematic research on some specific topic of International Environmental law; and (6) have an appreciation of future issues of relevance to the development of this area of law.
Synopsis The subject examines the way in which the international community is tackling existing and future environmental problems - including ozone layer depletion, climate change, destruction of biodiversity, heritage conservation, disposal of hazardous waste. The 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Brazil has seen a development of international environmental law and policy. The Australian Government has adopted a high profile in international negotiations on environmental matters. In addition Australia has already felt the effect of international obligations in respect of world heritage sites and climate change.
Assessment Written research assignment: 50% and final examination: 50% or final examination: 100%