Events – The GW Point Source

September 25, 2024October 1, 2024

GW Environmental Law Fellows Share Global Environmental Governance Insights

On September 19, 2024, the GW Law Environmental & Energy Law Program hosted its Environmental Law Fellows Panel, spotlighting prominent environmental law leaders who previously served or currently serve as Environmental Law Fellows in our program. Moderated by Assistant Dean Randall Abate, the hybrid event featured Achinthi Vithanage (Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University), Nick Bryner (LSU Law),Caitlin McCoy (Commission for Environmental Cooperation), and Giovanna Gismondi (The George Washington University Law School). Dayna Matthew, Dean of GW Law, delivered introductory remarks that drew attention to the pressing need for innovative legal strategies to promote effective climate change and biodiversity governance and environmental justice protections, while highlighting the vital role of legal education in shaping future leaders in this critical field.

November 16, 2023December 19, 2023

New GW Alliance Addressing Climate Change and Sustainability Brings Change to GW Law’s Energy Program

President Granberg’s inaugural address on November 4, 2023 foretold “a revolutionary next step in how our students and faculty conduct and develop innovative research, advocacy, and coursework in sustainability.” That step, the founding of The GWU Alliance for a Sustainable Future was officially announced in GW Today on November 15. The GW Alliance for a Sustainable Future is a big, bold, university-wide initiative that will bring together all members of the GW community who support climate change and sustainability work, forming a powerful strategic alliance of research institutes, academic programs, organizations, and individuals dedicated to the shared mission of combating climate change and promoting healthy and thriving resource systems for all. Under one GW banner, the Alliance will amplify GW’s commitment to climate and sustainability work and increase its global impact.

November 9, 2023November 15, 2023

The Second Annual J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Distinguished Lecture on Global Climate Change and Energy Law

By Claudia Delgado

On October 26, 2023, GW Law’s Environmental and Energy Law Program hosted its second annual J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Distinguished Lecture on Global Climate Change and Energy Law. This lecture celebrates the vision and leadership of Professor Arnold Reitze, who founded and directed GW Law’s Environmental and Energy Law Program from 1970-2008. The Shapiro Distinguished Lecture brings globally recognized environmental experts to Washington D.C. to address cutting-edge issues on climate change and energy law.

October 23, 2023December 19, 2023

The 2023 Earth Law Symposium and the Road Ahead

Participants in the 2023 Earth Law Symposium

By Johanna Adashek

At the intersection of people and the planet, Earth Law is a broad term encompassing the rights to a healthy environment, rights of nature, Indigenous rights, rights to future generations, and much more. Earth law is foundational in its emphasis on interdependency among Earth’s systems and its recognition that humans also flourish when the Earth can flourish. Earth law takes an ecocentric view, recognizing the inherent importance of protecting the Earth for the sake of the Earth itself. GW Law’s Environmental and Energy Law Program is proud to have co-hosted the 2023 Earth Law Symposium with the Earth Law Center, where experts, leaders, academics, and practitioners discussed and analyzed shortcomings and advancements in current statutes, regulations, legal systems, and governance strategies to protect our fragile planet and its vulnerable communities.

December 22, 2022April 4, 2023

EVENT DEBRIEF – The J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Distinguished Lecture on Global Climate Change and Energy Law 2022

By Claudia Delgado

On November 17, 2022, GW Law’s Environmental and Energy Law Program hosted The J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Distinguished Lecture on Global Climate Change and Energy Law. This lecture celebrates the vision and leadership of Professor Arnold Reitze, founder and director of the GW Law’s Environmental and Energy Law Program from 1970-2008, by inviting globally recognized environmental experts to address cutting-edge issues on climate change and energy law and policy. GW Law had the honor and privilege of hosting Dr. Damilola Olawuyi as its inaugural distinguished lecturer. Dr. Damilola Olawuyi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is a Professor and Associate Dean for Research at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) College of Law in Doha, Qatar and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Afe Babalola University in Nigeria. He is also the UNESCO Chair of Environmental Law and Sustainable Development. His presentation, “The Search for Climate and Energy Justice in the Global South: Shifting from Global Aspirations to Local Realization,” addressed whether climate and energy justice can be secured if those most vulnerable to climate and energy insecurity are not adequately protected with human rights-based safeguards.