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Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy

A foundational course that demystifies environmental law and empowers learners to engage with today’s most pressing ecological issues.

 

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

What will you in the Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy Course

  • Understand the core principles of environmental law and its practical applications.

  • Explore legal tools for managing environmental issues like pollution, land use, and natural resource protection.

  • Analyze legal case studies involving water rights, air quality, endangered species, and hazardous waste.

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  • Evaluate the roles of governments, courts, and communities in environmental decision-making.

  • Discuss environmental justice and global policy challenges, including climate change.

Program Overview

Module 1: Common Law and Environmental Problems
Duration: ~1 hour

  • Learn how tort law applies to environmental harm.

  • Explore the limitations of using court systems for environmental disputes.

  • Study the legal concept of nuisance in pollution cases.

Module 2: Property Rights and Environmental Regulation
Duration: ~3 hours

  • Understand how property law intersects with environmental protection.

  • Examine the “tragedy of the commons.”

  • Review regulatory takings and constitutional conflicts.

Module 3: Impact Assessment and Species Protection
Duration: ~2 hours

  • Analyze the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

  • Learn how environmental assessments influence development.

  • Explore the Endangered Species Act and its enforcement.

Module 4: Toxics and Risk Regulation
Duration: ~2 hours

  • Examine how legal systems manage toxic substances.

  • Study pesticide regulations and case examples.

  • Understand risk-based policy making and hazardous waste cleanup.

Module 5: Environmental Justice and Water Law
Duration: ~2 hours

  • Investigate the concept of environmental justice.

  • Understand how laws protect (or fail to protect) access to clean water.

  • Review policy effectiveness and fairness in water resource management.

Module 6: Air Pollution and Climate Change
Duration: ~2 hours

  • Study the Clean Air Act and other regulatory approaches.

  • Examine legal tools for managing climate change.

  • Learn about international climate treaties and emissions markets.

Module 7: Final Review and Assessment
Duration: ~1 hour

  • Recap major concepts and case law.

  • Apply your understanding through final reflection and evaluation.

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Job Outlook

  • Environmental Consultants: Apply legal knowledge to sustainability projects and compliance.

  • Legal Professionals: Gain an introduction to environmental statutes and litigation.

  • Public Policy Analysts: Use legal frameworks to shape environmental policy.

  • NGO Workers: Support legal advocacy with foundational understanding of environmental law.

  • Students & Educators: Build interdisciplinary knowledge in environmental and legal studies.

9.7Expert Score
Highly Recommended
This course combines academic insight with real-world examples to make environmental law approachable. It's ideal for professionals and students interested in environmental governance and justice.
Value
9.3
Price
9.5
Skills
9.7
Information
9.6
PROS
  • Clear explanations of complex legal concepts
  • Real case studies with environmental significance
  • Suitable for beginners with no legal background
  • Connects legal frameworks with ethical and policy issues
CONS
  • Dense reading materials in some sections
  • Minimal interactive components beyond video and quizzes

Specification: Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy
Introduction to Environmental Law and Policy
Course | Career Focused Learning Platform
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