International Environmental Law I
- Law
- 800 level
- 3 credit units
- 104 pages
- 14 units
This course introduces the fundamental principles and applications of International Environmental Law (IEL). It explores the conceptual definition, historical development, and sources of IEL, including treaty law and customary international law. Key principles, concepts of pollution, and the roles of international organizations are examined. The course also addresses current environmental concerns such as global warming, climate change, ozone depletion, desertification, deforestation, and environmental dispute resolution.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Seminar paper
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PUL813, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PUL813 · Unit One: HISTORY, NATURE AND CONCEPT OF IEL
1.4 Summary In conclusion, law provides a basis or standards which govern human behavior. The development of IEL within the past few decades was spurred by the prevalence of man-made activities which led to deterioration of the environment. Hence, IEL encompasses a body of principles and treaties derived from international law for the global protection of the environment.
What you should be able to do
- Discuss basic concepts and principles of IEL
- Differentiate between key environmental principles
- Understand the challenge of integrated environmental protection
- Understand treaty law and national efforts towards prevention of desertification, deforestation and flooding
- Discuss the key issues surrounding global warming, ozone depletion and climate change
What it prepares you for
- Environmental Lawyer
- Policy Analyst
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Manager
- Compliance Officer
- Government Agencies
- Environmental Organizations
- Law Firms
- Consulting Firms
- Multinational Corporations
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- MODULE 4: The Notion of International Environmental Protection
Unit Three: Treaty Law and Protection of the Marine Environment
Requires understanding of complex legal frameworks and the ability to analyze and interpret international treaties and agreements.
- MODULE 4: The Notion of International Environmental Protection
Unit Four: Customary International Law
Requires understanding of the historical development of customary international law and its application in contemporary environmental issues.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 62 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1MODULE 1: History, Nature and Concept of International Environmental Law
Unit 1: History, Nature and Concept of IEL · 4 hours
Read the introduction to environmental law.. Understand the historical context and evolution of IEL.. Define key concepts related to environmental protection..
- Week 2MODULE 1: History, Nature and Concept of International Environmental Law
Unit 2: Sources of IEL · 4 hours
Identify and analyze the various sources of IEL.. Differentiate between treaties, customary laws, and general principles.. Understand the role of judicial decisions and academic commentaries..
- Week 3MODULE 2: Basic Principles of Environmental Law
Unit 1: Emerging Principles of IEL--I · 4 hours
Examine the principle of state cooperation in environmental protection.. Understand the implications of the precautionary principle.. Analyze the polluter pays principle (PPP)..
- Week 4MODULE 2: Basic Principles of Environmental Law
Unit 2: Emerging Principles of IEL--II · 4 hours
Understand the principle of common but differentiated responsibility (CBDR).. Analyze the principle of sustainable development.. Discuss the principle of integration and interdependence..
- Week 5MODULE 2: Basic Principles of Environmental Law
Unit 3: Emerging Principles of IEL--III · 4 hours
Understand the principle of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).. Explain the principle of Inter- and Intra-generational Equity.. Discuss the Principles of prior notice..
- Week 6MODULE 3: The Challenge of Integrated Environmental Protection
Unit One · 4 hours
Explain the challenges associated with an integrated approach to environmental protection at the global and national levels.. Discuss the economic and environmental interdependencies and their implications for environmental regulation..
- Week 7MODULE 4: The Notion of International Environmental Protection
Unit One: The concept of environmental pollution · 4 hours
Understand the rapid degradation of the environment through different forms of environmental pollution.. Explain the ways to protect the environment through stringent environmental legislation in Nigeria.. Study the international treaties on air pollution..
- Week 8MODULE 4: The Notion of International Environmental Protection
Unit Two: European Union and Pollution · 4 hours
Understand the EU legislation and approaches to the management of pollution.. Compare the EU and Nigerian approaches to pollution control.. Study the EU's Water Framework Directive (WFD) and Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD)..
- Week 9MODULE 4: The Notion of International Environmental Protection
Unit Three: Treaty Law and Protection of the Marine Environment · 4 hours
Understand the differences between treaties, protocols, and other agreements.. Analyze the process of treaty ratification.. Study the treaty-making process..
- Week 10MODULE 4: The Notion of International Environmental Protection
Unit Four: Customary International Law · 4 hours
Discuss the importance of customary international law.. Understand the factors influencing the growth of international custom.. Explain the elements of customary international law..
- Week 11MODULE 4: The Notion of International Environmental Protection
Unit Five: Activities of International Organisations · 4 hours
Discuss the key international organizations and their roles under IEL.. Understand the activities of UNEP, WCED, CSD, ICJ, OECD, World Bank, and WTO.. Analyze the role of international organizations in shaping and implementing environmental treaties..
- Week 12MODULE 5: Current Concerns about Environmental Degradation and Environmental Disputes
Unit One · 4 hours
Discuss key environmental issues like desertification, deforestation, and flooding.. Study the international and national policy responses to tackle these issues.. Understand the conservation measures to prevent further environmental degradation..
Unit 2: Concerns on Deforestation and Flooding · 4 hours
Discuss the causes and the impact of deforestation on the environment.. Discuss possible solutions to the impact of deforestation.. Understand the National Environmental (Soil Erosion and Flood Control) Regulations 2011 and NESREA with regards to flood control in Nigeria.
Unit 3: Environmental Dispute Resolution · 4 hours
Discuss the meaning of ADR.. Discuss the various forms of ADR mechanism and their benefits.. Discuss the limitations of ADR..
- Week 13MODULE 5: Current Concerns about Environmental Degradation and Environmental Disputes
Final Revision · 6 hours
Review all modules and units.. Focus on key concepts and principles.. Prepare for the final examination..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a study schedule and stick to it.
- Review all study units and self-assessment exercises.
- Focus on key concepts and principles of IEL.
- Practice answering exam questions from previous years.
- Participate in online forums and discussions to clarify doubts.
- Pay close attention to the seminar paper topics and feedback from the facilitator.
- Understand the legal frameworks and regulations discussed in each unit.
- Create concept maps linking different principles and concepts.
- Review case studies and examples provided in the course materials.
- Allocate sufficient time for revision and exam preparation.
- Understand the roles of key international organizations and their contributions to IEL.
- Focus on the practical application of IEL principles in real-world scenarios.
- Ensure a thorough understanding of the international treaties and conventions discussed in the course.
Questions students ask about this course
What is PUL813 about?
This course introduces the fundamental principles and applications of International Environmental Law (IEL). It explores the conceptual definition, historical development, and sources of IEL, including treaty law and customary international law. Key principles, concepts of pollution, and the roles of international organizations are examined. The course also addresses current environmental concerns such as global warming, climate change, ozone depletion, desertification, deforestation, and environmental dispute resolution.
How many units does PUL813 have?
PUL813, International Environmental Law I, has 14 units across 5 modules, over 104 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PUL813?
PUL813 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Law.
Is PUL813 hard?
PUL813 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does PUL813 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 14 units.
How is PUL813 assessed?
PUL813 is assessed by seminar paper and final examination.
What can I do with PUL813?
Environmental Lawyer, Policy Analyst, Environmental Consultant, Sustainability Manager and Compliance Officer.