Spring 2025
March 21, 2025
"The Voice of the River, the Language of the Territory" with Featured Panelists from Colombia
In January 2020, the Menominee Nation of Wisconsin adopted resolution 19-52, affirming the rights of the Menominee River to "exist, flourish, regenerate, and evolve naturally." Two months earlier, Colombia's Special Jurisdiction for Peace recognized the Territory as a victim of the armed conflict in a case involving the Awá People, one of the more than 115 indigenous peoples of that country. These milestones exemplify a trend of recognition of the rights of Nature and Territory and how non-human entities communicate and instruct on ways forward in a climate future. This workshop will consider how territories express themselves with their multiple life systems or how non-human entities communicate to walk in balance and harmony, guaranteeing future generations a sustainable natural environment.
Part One will highlight the voices of indigenous leaders and academics deeply committed to claims for historical, social, and environmental justice through their work as expert jurists, artists, and historians. Panelists will reflect on their knowledge systems, law and institutions, sacred plants, art, crafts, and ceremonies. They will also explain the interconnections between language, affection, and bodily practices that allow relationships between humans, non-humans, guardian spirits, nature, and the environment to flourish, all in one fabric.
Part Two will actively engage the attendees. They will participate in writing and art activities, among other methods, to explore what it means for the territory to feel, express itself, and have knowledge and that listening to its voice guides us on the paths to follow in a climate future.
April 25, 2025
Incorporating Climate Change into Law Curriculum
11:30-1:00pm (lunch served), Lubar Commons
Speakers: Professors Katrina Kuh, Achinthi Vithanage (Pace Law School), Alice Kaswan (University of San Francisco Law School)
Climate change will affect many areas of law. This workshop will discuss how we can incorporate climate change into doctrinal/clinical classes, especiall non-environmental law classes. We will also discuss what other law schools are doing and the ABA Taskforce on embedding sustainable development into the legal curriculum and other ABA efforts to promote climate conscious lawyers.
April 25, 2025
Civil Dialogue on Climate Justice
3:00-5:00pm, 3260 Law (with reception)
Facilitators: Alice Kaswan (University of San Francisco), Katrina Kuh (Pace Law School), Achinthi Vithanage (Pace Law School), Freya Doughty-Wagner (GNHRE), Chelsea Chandler (Clean Wisconsin), Ellen Tyler (Southwestern WI Regional Planning Commission), Peg Sheaffer (Midwest Environmental Advocates), Skylar Harris (Midwest Environmental Advocates)
Summary: Climate change is a global threat that affects everyone. Yet, it has become a highly politically charged term. How we frame it can have important ramifications. Is it an environmental issue, public health issue, security issue, human rights issue, legal issue or an economic issue? Or all the above? How do we have a dialogue with others, especially those who have different ideologies or political views? Join this session to see how we can have a civil dialogue on climate justice.
Sponsored by the Wisconsin Initiative on Law and climate Change (WILCC), HRP, WI Institute for Citizenship and Civil Dialogue (WICCD)
Fall 2024
September 17, 2024:
"Climate Change and Disasters: The Experience in Rural Australia"
Dr Andrew Lawson, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director, Agriculture and Law Research Hub, University of New England, Australia,
4pm in Lubar Commons (7200 Law), Reception to follow
Sponsored by WI Initiative on Law & Climate Change (WILCC) and the Global Legal Studies Center (GLS)
October 7, 2024:
"Solar Radiation Modification to Combat Climate Change: Into the Great Wide Open?"
Dr Wil Burns, visiting professor, Northwestern University
Noon-1:00pm, 3260 Law (A light lunch will be served on a first come, first served basis)
Sponsored by WI Initiative on Law & Climate Change (WILCC) and the Global Legal Studies Center (GLS)
November 14, 2024:
"CO2 Emissions and Constitutional Provisions that Protect the Environment"
Noon-1:00pm, 3260 Law (A light lunch will be served on a first come, first served basis)
Sponsored by WI Initiative on Law & Climate Change (WILCC) and the Global Legal Studies Center (GLS)
The Initiative is supported by the Global Legal Studies Center and the Laurie Carlson Progressive Ideas Forum