Asserting a Fundamental Constitutional Right to a Stable Climate

The overwhelming scientific consensus is that, due to human activity, the global climate is changing in a manner that will be disruptive to human and ecological communities.  This talk will investigate the legal basis and current status of citizens’ legal right to a stable climate in which to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Elizabeth Valentine, J.D. will discuss:  the theoretical arguments in support of a constitutional right to a stable climate, the arguments currently being made in federal court on behalf of the Our Children's Trust law suit, and a petition from Maine School of Law and collaborating organizations to the Maine DEP, to force agency rulemaking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the state of Maine.

Sponsored by the UNE Departments of Environmental Studies and Political Science, and the Interdisciplinary Minor in Climate Change Studies.