In collaboration with the Climate & Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), LRI has been hosting a two-day event in London to develop approaches and ideas for supporting developing countries in their legislative efforts to respond to climate change and implement their commitments under the new Paris climate agreement.
A public panel discussion took place at PricewaterhouseCoopers on 27 September to assess the post-Paris needs and challenges for effective climate change action in developing countries. This led to a vibrant discussion between development organisations, donor agencies, legal professionals and representatives of foreign missions based in London. Moderated by Edward King of Climate Home, the event also marked the launch of a new initiative by the legal community and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), offering expert legal advice to vulnerable countries to translate international climate ambition into action.
Key issues raised were considered further at an expert workshop on the following day at Simmons & Simmons. Around 40 participants from private practice, academia and intergovernmental organisations presented their work on legal drafting, comparing existing legislation, stakeholder engagement and other areas that should inform the development of climate or climate relevant legislation in the future. Some of them had travelled to London from Germany, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and the US.
The workshop discussion focused on the different approaches necessary in developing complex climate legislation. Participants made suggestions on, for example, how to assess and improve legal frameworks, create a network for support and capacity building, and balance climate change objectives with or societal concerns. The findings will be captured in a concise report and could be further developed into a tool for legal drafters in developing countries in the review and development of legislation in different thematic areas.
Workshop presentations on (1) Analyzing climate change legislation, a (2) Brief typology on national climate change legislation and (4) Legislative drafting are available here and (3) Consistency of national efforts with the PA at https://legalresponse.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Climate-legislation-3.pdf