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Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy

Donald Hornstein

Environmental law may be the one institution standing between us and planetary exhaustion. It is also an institution that needs to be reconciled with human liberty and economic aspirations. This course considers these issues and provides a tour though existing legal regimes governing pollution, water law, endangered species, toxic substances, environmental impact analyses, and environmental risk.

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Environmental law may be the one institution standing between us and planetary exhaustion. It is also an institution that needs to be reconciled with human liberty and economic aspirations. This course considers these issues and provides a tour though existing legal regimes governing pollution, water law, endangered species, toxic substances, environmental impact analyses, and environmental risk.

Note: The Environmental Law & Policy Course will close for new learner enrollment on February 22, 2019. Learners who have already enrolled will continue to see it on their Coursera Dashboard as long as they remain enrolled in the course. If you are currently enrolled in this course, please see the announcement sent on February 19, 2019, for additional details.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Common-Law Approaches to Environmental Problems
As the course does not presume any previous knowledge of the law or legal experience, it begins by teaching students how to “read” cases, to learn from judicial opinions in real-life disputes how judges articulate and apply legal principles. We focus on the law of nuisance, starting with cases involving simple disputes between neighbors, and then move to cases involving air and water pollution and even a very recent case on the introduction of exotic species into a river system! We end the week, as we’ll end every week, with a session spent on legal theory and policy, considering, this week, the relative strengths and weakness of the court system as an institution addressing environmental problems, in comparison to other institutions such as administrative regulators and the free-market system.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops a valuable foundation in understanding the complexities of environmental law
Provides a comprehensive overview of U.S. environmental law, and is taught by a renowned expert in the field
Covers various aspects of environmental law, from common law approaches to pollution, water law, endangered species, and environmental justice
Explores the intersection between environmental law, human liberty, and economic aspirations
Course is closing for new learner enrollment on February 22, 2019
Requires knowledge of legal principles and judicial opinions

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Reviews summary

Foundation in environmental law and policy

According to learners, this course provides a positive and accessible introduction to the complex field of environmental law and policy. Students particularly praise the instructor's ability to explain complex legal concepts to those without prior legal backgrounds. The case studies and discussion of legal theories like the tragedy of the commons are often highlighted as fascinating and relevant. While the course offers broad coverage across various legal regimes, some reviewers note that certain topics, such as climate change, could benefit from more depth. Some feedback also suggests that aspects of the content or forum discussions may feel somewhat dated, potentially reflecting the course's earlier publication. The assignments, including the peer-review essay, are seen as valuable for learning, though sometimes challenging.
Required readings are challenging.
"The readings were sometimes dense, but essential for understanding the legal framework."
"Navigating the legal opinions required focus and re-reading."
"Be prepared for substantial and sometimes challenging reading material."
"Understanding the cases required careful attention to detail."
Exercises reinforce understanding.
"The assignments, particularly the peer-review essay, required significant effort but were valuable for learning."
"The research exercise helped solidify concepts learned in the modules."
"While challenging, the assignments pushed me to think critically about the material."
"The exercises, especially for distinction, were a good test of comprehension."
Real-world examples enhance learning.
"I found the case studies fascinating and relevant to real-world environmental issues."
"Using actual court cases helped ground the theory in practice."
"The examples provided were timely and illustrated the points well."
"Studying the court opinions under NEPA and the ESA was particularly insightful."
Teaching style is clear and effective.
"The lectures were clear and well-structured, making difficult topics understandable."
"The professor is knowledgeable and passionate about the subject, which made the learning experience enjoyable."
"His explanations were concise and helped demystify the legal jargon."
"I thought the instructor did a very good job leading the course."
Great starting point for non-lawyers.
"The instructor did a fantastic job explaining complex legal terms in a way that someone without a law background could grasp."
"This course gave me a solid foundational understanding of US environmental law."
"As someone with no prior legal knowledge, I found this course incredibly helpful in understanding the basics."
"I appreciated how the course started by teaching us how to 'read' legal cases."
Some information needs updating.
"Some of the content felt a bit dated, especially regarding international policy discussed."
"Given the rapidly evolving nature of environmental law, parts of the course may no longer be current."
"The note about the course closing to new enrollments might explain why some content feels older."
"Discusses legal landscapes that have potentially shifted since publication."
Coverage can feel superficial.
"While the breadth is good, I felt the coverage of climate change was superficial, especially given its importance today."
"Could use more in-depth coverage on specific statutes or international comparisons."
"Some topics felt rushed, leaving me wanting more detail."
"The course provides a good overview, but doesn't delve deeply into any single area."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy with these activities:
Review court cases and legal theories
Refresh foundational legal concepts to facilitate better understanding of course materials
Browse courses on Legal Reasoning
Show steps
  • Review landmark cases related to environmental law
  • Read case opinions and identify legal principles
  • Review summaries of legal theories and their application to environmental issues
Curate a collection of environmental law-related materials
Organize and compile resources to support ongoing learning and reference
Browse courses on Case Law
Show steps
  • Identify and gather relevant materials
  • Categorize and organize the materials
  • Create a system for easy access and retrieval
Explore online resources on environmental law
Supplement course materials with additional resources to enhance knowledge and stay updated
Browse courses on Environmental Regulations
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online sources for environmental law information
  • Review articles, watch videos, and attend webinars
  • Follow industry experts and thought leaders on social media
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Navigating Environmental Databases
Gain proficiency in accessing and utilizing environmental data by following guided tutorials.
Browse courses on Research
Show steps
  • Identify relevant environmental databases
  • Learn how to search and retrieve data from the databases
  • Apply your skills to extract and analyze environmental data
Environmental Policy Timeline
Strengthen your grasp of the evolution of environmental policy by creating a comprehensive timeline.
Browse courses on Environmental Policy
Show steps
  • Research key environmental policy milestones
  • Organize the milestones chronologically
  • Summarize the significance of each milestone
Participate in online discussion forums
Engage with peers and experts to broaden perspectives and deepen understanding
Browse courses on Environmental Issues
Show steps
  • Join online discussion forums related to environmental law
  • Read and respond to discussion posts
  • Share insights and ask questions to facilitate knowledge sharing
Environmental Justice Case Brief
Enhance your understanding of the legal principles and arguments surrounding environmental justice by crafting a case brief.
Browse courses on Environmental Justice
Show steps
  • Select a significant environmental justice case
  • Analyze the legal reasoning and outcome of the case
  • Summarize the key takeaways and implications of the case
The Environmental Law Handbook
Enhance your understanding of the principles and practices of environmental law by reviewing this authoritative text.
View The Making of Environmental Law on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read and analyze the chapters relevant to the course topics
  • Take notes on key concepts and case studies
  • Engage in discussions based on the book's content
Analyze the Clean Water Act
Reinforce your understanding of the Clean Water Act's legal requirements and enforcement mechanisms by completing practice exercises.
Browse courses on Water Pollution
Show steps
  • Review the main provisions of the Clean Water Act
  • Analyze case studies of Clean Water Act enforcement actions
  • Complete practice questions on Clean Water Act compliance
Environmental Law Case Discussion
Deepen your understanding of environmental law concepts by analyzing and discussing cases with peers.
Browse courses on Environmental Law
Show steps
  • Prepare for the discussion by reviewing assigned cases
  • Participate in the discussion, sharing your insights and perspectives
  • Summarize the key points and takeaways from the discussion
Draft a mock legal brief on an environmental issue
Apply course concepts to real-world scenarios by drafting a persuasive legal argument
Show steps
  • Choose an environmental issue to focus on
  • Research the relevant laws and regulations
  • Develop legal arguments and supporting evidence
  • Draft a persuasive legal brief outlining your arguments
  • Review and refine your brief based on feedback
Assist at an environmental organization or legal aid clinic
Gain practical experience and contribute to environmental protection efforts
Browse courses on Environmental Law
Show steps
  • Identify a reputable organization to volunteer with
  • Inquire about volunteer opportunities and requirements
  • Attend training and orientation sessions
  • Carry out assigned tasks and contribute to the organization's mission
Pollution Impact Assessment
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts of pollution by conducting a detailed assessment.
Browse courses on Environmental Impact Assessment
Show steps
  • Identify a specific pollution source or activity
  • Gather data on the emissions and discharges from the source
  • Assess the potential environmental impacts of the pollution
  • Develop mitigation strategies to reduce the impacts
  • Present your findings and recommendations to stakeholders

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers represent clients in matters related to environmental law. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or nonprofit organizations. This course is highly recommended for Environmental Lawyers because it provides a comprehensive overview of environmental law and policy, which is essential for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultants provide advice to businesses and other organizations on how to comply with environmental laws and regulations. They may also conduct environmental impact assessments and other studies to help clients understand the environmental implications of their activities. This course can be useful for Environmental Consultants because it provides a foundation in environmental law and policy, which can help them understand the legal framework that guides their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientists study the relationship between the environment and human health. They may work for government agencies or private companies. This course can be useful for Environmental Health Scientists because it provides an overview of environmental law and policy, which can help them understand the legal framework that guides their work. Additionally, the course covers topics such as environmental science and environmental toxicology, which are important areas of focus for Environmental Health Scientists.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Scientist
Waste Management Specialist
Waste Management Specialists oversee the planning, development, and implementation of waste management programs. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or nonprofit organizations. This course can be useful for Waste Management Specialists because it provides an overview of environmental law and policy, which can help them understand the legal framework that guides their work. Additionally, the course covers topics such as waste disposal and recycling, which are important areas of focus for Waste Management Specialists.
See salaries and explore the career path for Waste Management Specialist
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers oversee the planning, development, and implementation of sustainability programs. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or nonprofit organizations. This course can be useful for Sustainability Managers because it provides an overview of environmental law and policy, which can help them understand the legal framework that guides their work. Additionally, the course covers topics such as climate change and renewable energy, which are important areas of focus for Sustainability Managers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analysts study the causes and effects of climate change. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or nonprofit organizations. This course can be useful for Climate Change Analysts because it provides an overview of environmental law and policy, which can help them understand the legal framework that guides their work. Additionally, the course covers topics such as climate change adaptation and mitigation, which are important areas of focus for Climate Change Analysts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst
Environmental Planner
Environmental Planners work to create plans for the use and development of land. They may work for government agencies or private companies. This course can be useful for Environmental Planners because it provides an overview of environmental law and policy, which can help them understand the legal framework that guides their work. Additionally, the course covers topics such as land use planning and environmental impact assessment, which are important areas of focus for Environmental Planners.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Planner
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. They may work for government agencies or private companies. This course can be useful for Environmental Engineers because it provides an overview of environmental law and policy, which can help them understand the legal framework that guides their work. Additionally, the course covers topics such as environmental science and environmental technology, which are important areas of focus for Environmental Engineers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer
Water Resources Manager
Water Resources Managers oversee the planning, development, and management of water resources. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or nonprofit organizations. This course can be useful for Water Resources Managers because it provides an overview of environmental law and policy, which can help them understand the legal framework that guides their work. Additionally, the course covers topics such as water pollution and water quality management, which are important areas of focus for Water Resources Managers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Manager
Air Quality Manager
Air Quality Managers oversee the planning, development, and implementation of air quality programs. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or nonprofit organizations. This course can be useful for Air Quality Managers because it provides an overview of environmental law and policy, which can help them understand the legal framework that guides their work. Additionally, the course covers topics such as air pollution and air quality management, which are important areas of focus for Air Quality Managers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Air Quality Manager
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analysts develop and implement environmental policies. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or nonprofit organizations. This course can be useful for Environmental Policy Analysts because it provides an overview of environmental law and policy, which can help them understand the legal framework that guides their work. Additionally, the course covers topics such as environmental impact analysis and risk assessment, which are important tools for Environmental Policy Analysts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Educator
Environmental Educators teach people about environmental issues. They may work for schools, museums, or other organizations. This course can be useful for Environmental Educators because it provides an overview of environmental law and policy, which can help them understand the legal framework that guides their work. Additionally, the course covers topics such as environmental science and environmental ethics, which are important areas of focus for Environmental Educators.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator
Environmental Journalist
Environmental Journalists write and report on environmental issues. They may work for newspapers, magazines, or other media outlets. This course can be useful for Environmental Journalists because it provides an overview of environmental law and policy, which can help them understand the legal framework that guides their work. Additionally, the course covers topics such as environmental science and environmental ethics, which are important areas of focus for Environmental Journalists.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Journalist
Environmental Activist
Environmental Activists work to protect the environment. They may work for nonprofit organizations or other groups. This course can be useful for Environmental Activists because it provides an overview of environmental law and policy, which can help them understand the legal framework that guides their work. Additionally, the course covers topics such as environmental science and environmental ethics, which are important areas of focus for Environmental Activists.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Activist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and how human activities affect it. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful for Environmental Scientists because it provides an overview of environmental law and policy, which can help them understand the legal framework that guides their work. Additionally, the course covers topics such as environmental impact analysis and risk assessment, which are important tools for Environmental Scientists.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy.
Cover image
The Global Environment
Save
Provides a critical examination of environmental policy, exploring the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. It must-read for anyone interested in the future of environmental protection.
The Global Environment: Institutions, Law, and...
Paperback
$$
The Global Environment: Institutions, Law, and...
Paperback
$$
The Global Environment: Institutions, Law, and...
Paperback
$$
The Global Environment: Institutions, Law and Policy
Kindle Edition
$$
BUNDLE: Rosenbaum, Environmental Politics and...
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Something about the Sky
Save
Landmark in the environmental movement, exposing the dangers of pesticides and other chemicals. It powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our environment.
Something About the Sky
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Demolition Agenda
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of environmental law and policy in the United States. It is an essential resource for students and practitioners alike.
Demolition Agenda
Paperback
Check
Demolition Agenda
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Global Climate Change and U.S. Law
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of climate change law in the United States. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in this area of law.
Global Climate Change and U.S. Law
Paperback
$$$
Global Climate Change and U.S. Law, Third Edition
Paperback
$$$$
Global Climate Change and U.S. Law
Paperback
$$$
Global Climate Change and U.S. Law, Third Edition
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
From the Ground Up
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of environmental justice law, policy, and regulation. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in this area of law.
From the Ground Up
Paperback
Check
From the Ground Up
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
International Climate Change Law
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of international environmental law. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in this area of law.
International Climate Change Law
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Environmental Regulation
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of environmental law in the United States. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in this area of law.
Environmental Regulation: Law, Science, and Policy...
Hardcover
$$$$
Environmental Regulation: Law, Science and Policy...
Hardcover
$$$$
Environmental Regulation: Law, Science, and Policy...
Hardcover
$$
Environmental Regulation: Law, Science, and Policy
Hardcover
$$
Environmental Regulation: Law, Science, and Policy...
Hardcover
$$$$
Environmental Regulation: Law, Science, And Policy
Hardcover
$$
Environmental Regulation: Law, Science, and Policy...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Environmental Regulation: Law, Science, and Policy...
Kindle Edition
$$$$

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Effort
4-6 hours/week
Via
Coursera
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Instructor
Donald Hornstein
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops a valuable foundation in understanding the complexities of environmental law
Provides a comprehensive overview of U.S. environmental law, and is taught by a renowned expert in the field
Covers various aspects of environmental law, from common law approaches to pollution, water law, endangered species, and environmental justice
Explores the intersection between environmental law, human liberty, and economic aspirations
Course is closing for new learner enrollment on February 22, 2019
Requires knowledge of legal principles and judicial opinions
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