In November, WashU Law welcomed international scholar and professor at Arizona State University Daniel Bodansky in conversation with William Gardiner Hammond Professor of Law MJ Durkee. Bodansky spoke about “How to Think Like an International Lawyer.”
Bodansky is widely known for his expertise in the field of global climate change law and environmental policy, having published three books and dozens of articles over his career. His lecture, based on his award-winning book, “The Art and Craft of Environmental Law,” offered insights to help students and faculty develop a global mindset for navigating today’s complex environmental challenges.
As our planet faces continued issues of biodiversity, land loss, pollution and food insecurity, environmental lawyers are poised to have a tremendous impact on shaping and securing its future for years to come. Scholars like Bodansky are at the forefront of innovation in environmental law, working tirelessly to identify the reforms needed to enforce global change.
“Treaties have been the primary vehicle for enforcing action against climate change, but they aren’t always perfect,” Bodansky said. “You can have a treaty that provides wonderful things, but if states don’t participate, it won’t be effective. Conversely, you can have a treaty that gets everyone to participate, but doesn’t require any real change. So it’s on us as environmental lawyers to determine how we might maximize output and change behavior in the right direction.”
Bodansky’s lecture invited students to broaden their perspectives and empowered them to tackle legal challenges with a global outlook. As we equip future lawyers for an interconnected world, speakers like Professor Bodansky reveal how today’s challenges and opportunities often span borders and disciplines.
