In this module, students will learn about the functioning of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol (1997).

The UNFCCC was the first convention globally adopted with the specific goal of stabilizing the concentration of GHGS in the atmosphere to prevent dangerous anthropogenic human-induced interference with the climate system. This module will explain how the UNFCCC distributes burdens and obligations upon developed and developing countries considering the goals of fostering a more sustainable economy.

The Protocol to the UNFCCC, so called Kyoto Protocol, was adopted in Kyoto in 1997 and entered into force on 16 February 2005. The protocol aimed to reduce the overall annual emissions of GHG gases from developed countries by, at least, 5% below 1990 levels over a commitment period from 2008 to 2012. Parties to UNFCCC agreed for a second commitment period from 2013-2020 in the COP held in Doha, Qatar.

This class will go through the analysis of the Kyoto Protocol discussing both its merits and its backlashes in terms of its capacity of fighting against global warming. This module will include as well the study of the three Kyoto market- based mechanisms in use for offsetting Greenhouse Gas emissions (GHGs), including the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), the Joint Implementation JI) and the Emissions Trading (ET).

The following is the list of the topics covered:
– UNFCCC: structure
– Preamble and Objectives
– Principles: equity, sustainable development, cooperation
– Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR/RC) Principle
– Obligations
– 1997 Kyoto Protocol: General: History and Status Quo
– Kyoto Protocol: top- down structure
– Kyoto Protocol: first commitment period
– Kyoto Protocol: second commitment period
– Clean Development Mechanism, – Joint Implementation
– Emission Trading System
– Flexibility Mechanisms: Eligibility Requirements, Environmental Integrity
– Joint Fulfilment of Commitments (Art. 4 KP)
– Emissions Trading (Art. 17 KP):  Aim, Requirements, Tradable units, National allocation plans
– Joint Implementation (Art. 6 KP)
– Clean Development Mechanism (Art. 12 KP):  Aims, Rules,  Scope
– Special Issues Cost-effectiveness Sustainability Relation to trade, development and investment issues Technology transfer Developing countries.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

1. Examine international laws and policies, to address climate change’s impacts, with a focus on cap-and-trade, carbon offsetting, and other private sector responses to the climate change crisis.
2. Examine what private market actors are required to do, and what they should be required to do, to help mitigate the damaging effects of global climate change.
3. Conduct a Cost-Benefit Analysis of Climate Change and the Social Cost of Carbon.
4. Elaborate policy submissions or decisions on regulations of carbon market.
5. Evaluate legislative policies with an eye toward climate, economic, and energy efficiency.

Hours of Total Learning: 50 hours

– Total Contact Hours: 14 hours
– Practice Hours: 7 hours
– Self-Study Hours: 28 hours
– Assessments Hours: 1 hour

Total Number of ECTS: 2

Teaching procedures: 

The module is taught through a combination of online delivery methods, namely synchronous lessons, specifically live online lessons held on the MACTT VLE, and self-study. Lessons will be held online, with live session, of the duration of 45 minutes each. Students will be provided with Power Point presentations as well as detailed hand-outs and other materials useful to support their learning experience, especially considering the legal aspect of the course.

During the training, the lecturer will provide students will additional material for helping those who miss basics knowledge. Reading materials must be diverse. The choice for a variety of materials is in line with the main goal of developing a critical thinking. Students should be exposed to a plurality of sources, gathering even controversial opinions.

This module will focus on the functioning of the new climate change post-2020 regime. It will start with explaining the most essential elements of the Paris Agreement, including the newly established standards of “highest possible ambition”, “progression”, “best practice” “due diligence” and “fairness”.

The module will touch upon a set of mechanisms established under the Paris Agreement: Warsaw Mechanism for climate Loss and Damages as established by Art. 9 of the Paris Agreement; the 5 Years Cycle’s Submission National Determined Contributions (NDCs) under Art. 4 of the Paris Agreement; the Global Stocktaking of NDCs as set forth by Art. 10 of Paris Agreement together with the new International Mitigation Transfer Mechanisms  (ITMO) under Art. 6 and the Enhanced Transparency Framework under. Art. 8.

The Module will illustrate the further rules of the implementation of the Agreement contained in the Katowice Climate Package.

The final part of the module will touch upon the most relevant climate litigation before International Courts and Tribunals and their implications for further developments of the international climate regime.

The following is the list of the topics covered:

1. The Paris Agreement: The Hybrid Structure
2. Objectives
3. Principles of the Agreement
4. National Determined Contributions: content and submissions
5. 6 and ITMO
6. Loss and Damage
7. Global stocktaking and the transparency framework
8. Compliance Mechanism
9. Katowice Package
10. Climate litigation: How do domestic courts deal with climate change claims?

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

1. Analyse proposed climate legislation, regulation, policies and practices.
2. Recommend new policies.
3. Evaluate legislative policies.
4. Elaborate way forward in the context of climate policy for the next decade.
5. Write paper on a climate law/policy topic.
6. Write Brief student summary of term papers.

Hours of Total Learning: 50 hours

– Total Contact Hours: 14 hours
– Practice Hours: 7 hours
– Self-Study Hours: 28 hours
– Assessments Hours: 1 hour

Total Number of ECTS: 2

Teaching procedures: 

The module is taught through a combination of online delivery methods, namely synchronous lessons, specifically live online lessons held on the MACTT VLE, and self-study. Lessons will be held online, with live session, of the duration of 45 minutes each. Students will be provided with Power Point presentations as well as detailed hand-outs and other materials useful to support their learning experience, especially considering the legal aspect of the course.

During the training, the lecturer will provide students will additional material for helping those who miss basics knowledge. Reading materials must be diverse. The choice for a variety of materials is in line with the main goal of developing a critical thinking. Students should be exposed to a plurality of sources, gathering even controversial opinions.