Global Environmental Rights Institute

About the Global Environmental Rights Institute

The Environmental Rights Institute coordinates the various components of Delaware Law's environmental programs. The Institute provides multiple environmental law course offerings and opportunities for practical experience in the field through the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic and various externships. Our alumni have richly benefited from the Institute’s experiential learning component. Hundreds of students have participated in our environmental clinic or in a related externship over the years, and many graduates have taken at least one environmental law-focused course at Delaware Law. Many of our graduates go on to practice environmental law, making a difference locally, across the country, and throughout the world.

Our Mission

The Environmental Rights Institute strives to engage students, faculty, organizations, and current legal professionals in the environmental, sustainability, and energy issues faced by local and state governments. Our approach encompasses scholarship, applied research, teaching, special projects, clinical programs, and externships.

As public awareness of environmental issues has grown, so has the importance of environmental law and the demand for professionals with this specific skill set. Now more than ever, state and international governments grapple with a broad and ever-growing spectrum of environmental and sustainability concerns, which shape and influence various real estate, land use, civil, tort, workplace safety, and tax laws.

Students who concentrate their studies through the Institute acquire career-shaping skills, including the ability to advocate for and evaluate the effectiveness of environmental, energy, and climate change legislation. Through a blend of dedicated coursework, clinics, externships, and other activities, students:

• assist public and private decision makers with environmental law issues;
• study energy, sustainability, and other critical environmental law areas; and
• prepare for positions defending the environment and upholding existing legislation in federal, state, or local government or in private firms.

The Environmental Rights Institute further serves as a legal resource for policymakers and current legal professionals. Our faculty and students aim to promote sustainability from a legislative perspective and advance this mission through information and initiatives involving government, business, and nonprofit organizations.

Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic

Students participating in the Environmental Rights Institute have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience defending the environment through the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic. Since 1989, the Environmental and Natural Resources Clinic has engaged hundreds of law students in projects to protect water, air, soil, and endangered species.

The Environmental and Natural Resources Clinic allows students to gain practical experience in the field and make valuable industry connections that will benefit their future law career. Students learn to put the theories learned in class into practice by:

• representing nonprofit organizations and individuals seeking to protect the environment;
• litigating cases involving violation of environmental laws;
• learning and practicing the legal skills needed to launch a career in environmental law, including drafting agreements, administrative proceedings, and appearing in court on behalf of clients; and
• empowering citizens to represent themselves while defending environmental rights legislation.

Whether you are a current or prospective Juris Doctor candidate, learn more about the Environmental and Natural Resources Clinic.

Advocacy, Scholarship, and Service

Download a List of Environmental Constitutional Rights by Country (pdf)

2016-2021
Professors Daly, Kristl and May

Advocacy

Assemblée Parlementaire, Conseil de Europe, Erin Daly and Maria Antonia Tigre, “Recent environmental decisions in the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, in Rapport d'expertise Chaire d’excellence CNRS Normandie pour la Paix, 09 mars, 2021

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, James R. May and Erin Daly, Petition and Request for Precautionary Measures on behalf of SAKALA and Six Children of Cité Soleil, Haiti, to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, filed 4 February 2021.

Ninth Circuit

James R. May and Erin Daly, Brief of Law Professors as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiffs’ Motion for Rehearing En Banc in Juliana v. U.S. (9^th Cir. 2020), available here

James R. May and Erin Daly, Brief of Law Professors as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiffs’-Appellees’ Answering Brief in in Juliana v. U.S. (9^th Cir. 2019), reprinted at Brief of Law Professors as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiffs in Re Juliana v. U.S. (9^th Cir. 2019), 25 Widener L. Rev. __ (2019), with Erin Daly and Helen Kang, SSRN here, available here

James R. May and Erin Daly, Brief of Law Professors as Amici Curiae in Support of Respondents Regarding Petition for Writ of Mandamus in Re Juliana v. U.S. (9^th Cir. 2017), available here

Scholarship

Books -- Authored and Co-Authored:

Ken Kristl, A Citizen’s Guide to Environmental Advocacy in Delaware, (The Inland Bays Foundation 2020)

James R. May and Erin Daly, Judicial Handbook on Global Environmental Constitutionalism (United Nations Environment 2017 bepress here, available here; 3d ed. 2019 available here)

Erin Daly and James R. May, Compendium To Judicial Handbook on Global Environmental Constitutionalism (UN Environment 2018, 3d edition 2019), available here

James R. May and Erin Daly, Global Environmental Constitutionalism (Cambridge University Press 2015), bepress here, available here; Turkish Trans: Dunyada Cevresel Anayasalcilik (Ekoloji Press 2018), reviewed here

Books -- Edited and Co-Edited:

James R. May et al. eds, Environmental Rights: The Development of Standards (Cambridge University Press 2020) available here

James R. May and Erin Daly, eds, Human Rights and the Environment: Indivisibility, Dignity, Legality, Geography, Encyclopedia of Environmental Law (Edward Elgar Press 2019), available here, reviewed here, here, and here

Erin Daly and James R. May, eds, Implementing Environmental Constitutionalism: Current Global Challenges (Cambridge University Press 2018), available here, reviewed here.

Erin Daly and James R. May et al., New Frontiers in Environmental Constitutionalism (United Nations Environment 2017), bepress here, available here

John C. Dernbach and James R. May, Shale Gas and the Future of Energy: Law and Policy for Sustainability (Edward Elgar 2016), bepress here, available here, reviewed here.

James R. May and Erin Daly, eds, The International Library of Critical Writings on Law and the Environment: Environmental Constitutionalism (Edward Elgar 2016, 2 vols.), bepress here, available here

Book Chapters:

James R. May and Erin Daly, “Environment and Economic and Social Rights,” The Oxford Handbook of Economic and Social Rights (forthcoming), edited by Malcolm Langford and Katie Young

James R. May, “Making Sense of Environmental Human Rights and Global Environmental Constitutionalism,” The Routledge Encyclopedia of International Environmental Law (2021), book available here, chapter here

Erin Daly and James R. May, “The Indivisibility of Human Dignity and Sustainability,” The Cambridge Handbook on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development, Edited by Sumudu Atapattu, Carmen G. Gonzalez and Sara Seck, Cambridge University Press, forthcoming 2021, SSRN here

James R. May and Erin Daly, “The UN Sustainable Development Goals and Dignity Under Law,” in International Environmental Lawmaking and Diplomacy Review 2019, 15-33 (University of Eastern Finland)(Tuula Honkonen & Seita Romppanen, eds.), available at:https://sites.uef.fi/cceel/wp-content/uploads/sites/185/2020/12/2019-MEA-Course-Review_Official.pdf, SSRN here

Erin Daly and James R. May, “Emergence et Regression de la Notion de Democratie Environnementale Aux Etats-Unis” (“The Growth and Retreat of Environmental Democracy in the United States”) M.-A. Cohendet (ed.), Constitutional Environmental Law (Mare and Martin 2020), SSRN here

James R. May and Erin Daly, “De Nouveaux Droits et Principes Pour L’Environnement” (“New Rights and Principles for the Environment”) M.-A. Cohendet (ed.), Constitutional Environmental Law (Mare and Martin 2020),  SSRN here

James R. May and Erin Daly, “L'exemple de la doctrine du Public trust aux Etats-Unis” (“The Public Trust Doctrine in the United States”) M.-A. Cohendet (ed.), Constitutional Environmental Law (Mare and Martin 2020),  SSRN here

James R. May, “Environmental Rights and Wrongs: Implementing Environmental Constitutionalism,” Eivind Smith Festschrift, Marius Gulbranson Nordby et al., eds., University of Oslo Press, 2020, SSRN here

Erin Daly and Louis J. Kotzé, “A Cartography of Environmental Human Rights,” in The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Environmental Law, (Oxford, 2019).

James R. May, "The Norwegian Constitutional Right to a Healthy Environment in Global Context," Mellom Jus Og Politikk, Grunnloven, Section 112 (Fagbokforlaget 2019), SSRN here

James R. May and Erin Daly, “Six Trends in Global Environmental Constitutionalism,” in Jochen Sohnle, Ed., Environmental Constitutionalism 43 (2019) (French and English), SSRN here, available here

James R. May and Erin Daly, “Standards in Subnational Environmental Constitutionalism,” in James R. May et al., eds., Environmental Rights: The Development of Standards (Cambridge Univ. Press 2019),  SSRN here, available here

James R. May and Erin Daly, “Global Climate Constitutionalism in Courts,” in Climate Constitutionalism (Jordi Jaria i Manzano et al. eds., Edward Elgar Pub. 2019), available here

James R. May and Erin Daly, “New Dimensions in Human Rights and the Environment,” in James R. May & Erin Daly, eds., Encyclopedia of Human Rights and the Environment: Legality, Indivisibility, dignity and Geography Current Global Challenges (Edward Elgar Pub., 2019),  available here

James R. May and Erin Daly, “Human Rights Developments in Global Environmental Constitutionalism,” in James R. May & Erin Daly, eds., Encyclopedia of Human Rights and the Environment: Legality, Indivisibility, dignity and Geography Current Global Challenges (Edward Elgar Pub., 2019),  available here

Erin Daly and James R. May, “Indivisibility of Human and Environmental Rights, New Dimensions in Human Rights and the Environment,” in James R. May & Erin Daly, eds., Encyclopedia of Human Rights and the Environment: Legality, Indivisibility, dignity and Geography Current Global Challenges (Edward Elgar Pub., 2019),  available here

Erin Daly and James R. May, “Environmental Dignity Rights,” in James R May & Erin Daly, eds., Encyclopedia of Human Rights and the Environment: Legality, Indivisibility, dignity and Geography Current Global Challenges (Edward Elgar Pub., 2019),  available here

Erin Daly and James R. May, “Implementing Global Environmental Constitutionalism,” in James R May & Erin Daly, eds., Implementing Environmental Constitutionalism: Current Global Challenges (Cambridge Univ. Pub. 2018),  available here

Erin Daly and James R. May, “Learning from Constitutional Environmental Rights,” in The Human Right to a Healthy Environment, John H. Knox and Ramin Pejan, eds. (Cambridge University Press 2018), available here

James R. May, “Sustainability and Global Environmental Constitutionalism,” in James R. May et al., eds., New Frontiers in Environmental Constitutionalism (United Nations Press 2017), SSRN here, bepress here, available here

Erin Daly, James R. May and Louis Kotzé, “Introduction to Environmental Constitutionalism” in New Frontiers in Environmental Constitutionalism (United Nations Press 2017), bepress here, available here

James R. May and Erin Daly, “Synopsis of Environmental Constitutionalism and Climate Justice,” in Using Constitutions to Advance Environmental Rights and Achieve Climate Justice, Asia- Pacific Judicial Colloquium on Climate Change, available here

James R. May and Erin Daly, “Constitutionalism and Climate Justice, in Using Constitutions to Advance Environmental Rights and Achieve Climate Justice,” Asia- Pacific Judicial Colloquium on Climate Change, SSRN here, available here

James R. May and Erin Daly, “A Dignity-Based Approach to Environmental and Climate Justice, in Using Constitutions to Advance Environmental Rights and Achieve Climate Justice,” Asia- Pacific Judicial Colloquium on Climate Change, available here

James R. May and Erin Daly, “Environmental Dignity Rights” in The Effectiveness of Environmental Law (Sandrine Maljean-Dubois, ed. Intersentia 2017), SSRN here, bepress here, available here

James R. May and Erin Daly, “Ten Good Practices in Environmental Constitutionalism That Can Contribute to Sustainable Shale Gas Development,” in Energy, Governance and Sustainability, Chapter 3, Manzano, Chalfour, and Kotzé, eds. (Edward Elgar Publishing 2016, IUCN Series), SSRN here, bepress here, available here

James R. May and Erin Daly, “Global Environmental Constitutionalism: A Rights-Based Primer for Effective Strategies” in Decision Making in Environmental Law, LeRoy C. Paddock, Robert L. Glicksman, and Nicholas S. Bryner, eds., (Edward Elgar Publishing 2016, IUCN Series), SSRN here, bepress here, available here

Law Review Articles

James R. May, The Case for Environmental Human Rights: Recognition, Implementation and Outcomes, 42 Cardozo L. Rev. 101 (2021)

James R. May and Erin Daly, Can the U.S. Constitution Encompass a Right to a Stable Climate (Yes, it Can), 39 UCLA Envtl. L. Rev. 1 (2021)

James R. May and Erin Daly, Dignity Rights for a Pandemic, 17 Law Culture, and the Humanities __ (2020) (forthcoming), SSRN here

James R. May and Erin Daly, The Atlas of Statelessness, Atlas of the Stateless for the Association Rosa Luxemburg, SSRN here

James R. May and Erin Daly, Human Dignity and Environmental Outcomes in Pakistan, 10 Pakistan L. Rev. 1 (2019), SSRN here

James R. May and Erin Daly, Why Dignity Rights Matter, 19 European Human Rights L. Rev. 129 (2019), SSRN here

James R. May and Erin Daly, Point of View on Dignity Rights: Why Dignity Rights Matter, 2 European Human Rights Law Review 15 (2019), with Erin Daly

Erin Daly and James R. May, Exploring Environmental Justice Through the Lens of Human Dignity, 25 Widener L. Rev. 167 (2019), SSRN here

James R. May and Tiwajopelo O. Dayo, Environmental Dignity Rights in Nigeria, 25 Widener L. Rev. 183 (2019), with SSRN here

James R. May and Erin Daly, Brief of Law Professors as Amici Curiae in Support of Plaintiffs in Re Juliana v. U.S. (9^th Cir. 2019), 25 Widener L. Rev. 283 (2019), SSRN here

Erin Daly, Environmental Constitutionalism in Defense of Nature, 53 Wake Forest L. Rev. 667 (2018).

James R. May, Sustainability Constitutionalism, 86 Univ. Missouri Kansas City L. Rev.  130 (2018), SSRN here

John C. Dernbach, Kenneth T. Kristl and James R. May, Recognition of Environmental Rights for Pennsylvania Citizens: Pennsylvania Environmental Defense Foundation v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: 70 Rutgers U. L. Rev. 803 (2018), SSRN here, available here

James R. May and Erin Daly, Ten Good Practices in Environmental Constitutionalism: Structure, Text and Justiciability, 22 Novos Estuda Juridices 964-990 (2017), SSRN here, bepress here, available here

James R. May, Subnational Environmental Constitutionalism and Reform in New York State, 38 Pace L. Rev. 121 (2017), SSRN here, bepress here, available here

Kenneth T. Kristl, The Devil Is in the Details: Articulating Practical Principles for Implementing the Duties in Pennsylvania's Environmental Rights Amendment, 28 Geo. Envt’l. L. Rev. 589 (2016)

Kenneth T. Kristl, It Only Hurts When I Use It: The Payne Test and Pennsylvania’s Environmental Rights Amendment, 46 Envtl. L. Rep. (Envtl. L. Inst.) 10594 (2016)

Erin Daly and James R. May, Bridging Constitutional Dignity and Environmental Rights Jurisprudence, 7 Jrnl. Hum. Rights and the Envt. 218 (2016), SSRN here, bepress here, available here

James R. May, Evolving Water Law and Management in the U.S.: Delaware, 20 University of Denver Water L. Rev. 3 (2016), SSRN here, bepress here

 

Other

Thomas Swan, Erin Daly, James R. May and Hugo Echevarria, The Atrato River Case (translation), Center for Social Justice Studies et al. v. Presidency of the Republic et al. Judgment T-622/16, Constitutional Court of Colombia (November 10, 2016) (July 2, 2019) available here 

James R. May, Major Federal Environmental Decisions: 2019, in 12 Environmental Law Forum (Pennsylvania Bar Institute 2019), SSRN here

James R. May, Book Review, Louis J. Kotzé, Global Environmental Constitutionalism in the Anthropocene, 9 Jrnl. of Human Rights and the Envt. 226 (2018), SSRN here

James R. May, Major Federal Environmental Decisions: 2018, in 11 Environmental Law Forum (Pennsylvania Bar Institute 2018), SSRN here

Kenneth T. Kristl, 3 Myths About Coastal Zone Act Proposal, News Journal (Wilmington DE), June 4, 2017 at A27

James R. May, Endangered Species Act Has Been Under Attack for Years, News Journal (Wilmington DE), September 3, 2017 at A21, bepress here, available here

James R. May, Major Federal Environmental Decisions: 2017, in 10 Environmental Law Forum (Pennsylvania Bar Institute 2017), SSRN here

Kenneth T. Kristl, Public Participation and Sustainability: How Pennsylvania’s Shale Gas Program Thwarts Sustainable Outcomes, in Shale Gas and the Future of Energy: Law and Policy for Sustainability 125 (John C. Dernbach & James R. May, eds., Edward Elgar Pub. 2016)

James R. May, Environmental Law Jurisprudence and Associate Justice Antonin Scalia's Legacy, 47 ABA Trends 4 (May/June 2016), SSRN here, bepress here

James R. May, Widener Sustainability Report, July 2016

James R. May, Major Federal Environmental Decisions: 2016, in 9 Environmental Law Forum (Pennsylvania Bar Institute 2016), SSRN here

Service

Erin Daly

Audition : Ombudsman Pour Les Générations Futures, Médiation Et Défense De L’environnement, 8 Et 15 Avril 2021

Climate and the Rights of the Child, Essex University, June 11, 2021

Discussant, Panel on Environmentalism and Constitutionalism, The Global Summit on Constitutionalism, University of Ottawa, January 15, 2021

Invited Lecture, Environmental Dignity Rights, Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, December 5, 2020

“Dignity Rights and Social Justice,” Dean’s Forum, Delaware Law School, October 15, 2021

“The Rights of Nature,” Global Forum on the Rights of Nature, October 2, 2021

Moderator, Book Launch, Global Network for Human Rights and the Environment, Josh Gellers, Rights for Robots, November 13, 2020

Consultant, with the Special Rapporteur for Development, November 12, 2020

Moderator/Convenor, Book Launch, Dina Townsend, Human Dignity and the Adjudication of Environmental Rights, October 9, 2020

Panelist, “Dignity and Climate Change,” ABA Section on International Law and Section on Social Justice and Civil Rights, June 24, 2020

Participant, “Individual Liberties and the Response to Covid-19: Domestic and International Perspectives,” Delaware State Bar Association, June 19, 2020

Panel Participant, "SDG 15 & 6 Securing Co-Benefits of Human Rights, Biodiversity & Freshwater Ecosystems Protection” at “Human Rights, the Sustainable Development Goals & the Law: International Legal Symposium”, Center for Sustainable Development Law, May 15, 2020

Panelist, “Impact of Covid-19 on Human Rights,” in Webinar Series, Law in the Time of Covid-19, co-sponsored with Delaware Law School and UNIVALI, Santa Catarina, Brazil, April 29, 2020

Panelist, Human Rights, International Law Review Symposium, George Washington Law School, March 13, 2020

Opening Plenary, University of Florida Levin College of Law’s 26^th Annual Public Interest Environmental Conference (PIEC), February 7, 2020.

Visiting Professor, Sorbonne, Paris I, Paris, France, January 2020 (Masters’ Classes)

Rapport sur le droit environnemental des États-Unis, CRIDEAU, 2 Octobre 2019, Limoges, France

Participant, Experts’ Meeting, Special Rapporteur for Human Rights and the Environment, June 21-22, 2019 Geneva, Switzerland

Dignity and Democracy, Plenary Session, Law and Society Annual Meeting, May 30-June 2, 2019, Washington D.C.

“The deep roots of dignity in American constitutionalism,” Law and Society Annual Meeting, May 30-June 2, 2019, Washington D.C.

« La dignité comme instrument utile pour la démocratie environnementale, » Colloque Cerisy, La pensée indisciplinée de la démocratie écologique, 13 mai – 17 mai 2019 Cerisy-Sur-Salle, France

“Environmental Dignity Rights,” CCNY’s Critical Perspectives on Human Rights, New York City, March 15, 2019

2019 UNECE Judicial Colloquium, “SDG16: Role of Judiciary in Promoting the Rule of Law in Environmental Matters,” February 27-28, 2019, Geneva, Switzerland, presenting and providing materials on environmental constitutionalism

“Les droits de l’homme et les droits de l’environnement,” Visiting Lectures, Sorbonne, Paris, France, February 26, 2019

Keynote Address, Transitional Justice to Social Justice, Beirut, Lebanon, November 12-15, 2018

Invited Participant, Expert meeting of the Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment, New York, October 22-23, 2018

“Participatory Dignity Rights,” “Global Environmental Constitutional Trends,” “Discussion on American and Brazilian Comparative Environmental Constitutional Issues,” “Overview of American Environmental Cases,” Univali, Itajaí and Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, 4-9 October, 2018

“Dignity Rights and Climate Change,” Presentation to the Philippine Commission on Human Rights, Hearing on Petition Requesting for Investigation of the Responsibility of the Carbon Majors for Human Rights Violations or Threats of Violations Resulting from the Impacts of Climate Change, New York, September 28, 2018

Remarks, Organizational Session Of The Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group That Was Established By General Assembly Resolution 72/277 Of 10 May 2018 Entitled “Towards A Global Pact For The Environment, United Nations, New York, 5-7 September, 2018

Comparative Dignity Jurisprudence: Easing the Tension between Individual and Community, Staff Seminar, University of Cape Town, August 8, 2018

"The Role of the Special Rapporteurs in Advancing Environmental and Human Rights: A Critical Engagement," IUCNAEL, Strathclyde, July 6, 2018

 “Dignity and Environmental Rights,” IUCNAEL, Strathclyde July 5, 2018.

Meeting of Scotland First Minister's Advisory Group on Human Rights Leadership, Glasgow, Scotland, July 5, 2018.

Dignity and Environmental Justice Symposium, Co-Organizer and presenter, Delaware Law School, April 13, 2018; introductory and closing comments

"Environmental Constitutionalism: Trends and Innovations," at Rights and Resources: Using Human Rights to Protect Natural Resources, Wake Forest, April 6, 2018

"La dignité comme droit humain," Semaine Scientifique, Université de la Fondation Aristide, Tabarre, Haiti, May 14, 2018

"Le droit à un environnement sain: principes et arrêts," University of Limoges Masters  Programme, France, March 9, 2018

"Constitutionalisation de la lutte climatique -- sans dispositions climatique," Journée d’études, Climate Change in the French Constitution, Salle Colbert, Assemblée Nationale, Paris France, March 8, 2018

"Les droits constitutionnels environnementales a travers le monde," and “La démocratie et le constitutionalisme environnementale," at Colloquium on Environmental Constitutionalism, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, March 6-7, 2018

Presentations on Dignity and Environmental Constitutionalism, Pakistan College of Law, Lahore University of Management and Science (LUMS), Kinnaird College, Nadira Hassan Law Department, Lahore, Pakistan, February 28-March 3, 2018

Judicial Colloquium, Lahore, Pakistan, February 26-27, 2018 (with UN Environment, ADB, Lahore High Court)

"Environmental Dignity Rights," Santa Catarina Judicial Association, Florianopolis, Brazil, May 24, 2017 (with James R. May).

"Environmental Constitutionalism,"  Universidade do Vale do Itajaí (Univali), Florianopolis, Brazil, May 26, 2017 (with James R. May)

Facilitator and co-organizer, “Judicial Workshop on Constitutions, Environment and Human Rights," Federal Senate, Brasilia, Brazil, May 22-23, 2017 (Sponsored by UNEP, WCEL, OAS); presentation of welcoming remarks on behalf of organizing committee; co-facilitator, panel on interpretation and application of constitutional environmental provisions; co-facilitator, closing panel.

"Dignity Rights of Nature," Environmental Summit, Tulane Law School, New Orleans, La. 9-10 March, 2017

"International Environmental Law Lectures," UNIFA, Tabarre, Haiti December 13-15, 2016

“Le rôle du droit comparé dans la doctrine : l’exemple du droit de l’environnement américain," Colloque annuel 2016 de la Société Française pour le droit de l’environnement (SFDE), "Doctrine en droit de l'Environnement", Limoges, France  17-18 November 2016.

“Environmental Dignity Rights”, Center for Constitutional Democracy, Indiana University, November 4, 2016

“Environmental Dignity Rights in Constitutional Tribunals,” IUCNAEL, Oslo Norway, June 2016

“Civic Dignity Losses among Refugees,” International Society of Public Law (ICON-S), Berlin, Germany June 18, 2016

“Les Mines d’or en Haiti,” Université de la Fondation Aristide, Tabarre, Haiti, May 16-20, 2016 (Conference Co-organizer)

Mots de bienvenus, “Les Mines d’or en Haiti,”  Université de la Fondation Aristide, Tabarre, Haiti, May 9, 2016 (Conference Co-organizer)

“Judicial Workshop in Environmental Constitutional Rights,” University of Pretoria, South Africa, April 15, 2016 (Conference Co-organizer).

“Environmental Dignity Rights,” at New Frontiers in Environmental Constitutionalism, Northwest University, Pochesfstroon, South Africa,  April 12-14, 2016 (Conference Co-organizer).

“Les droits environnementaux et les droits humains,” Bureau des Avocats Internationales, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, December 11, 2015

“L’environnement, la dignité, et le développement durable,” Université de la Fondation Aristide, Tabarre, Haiti, December 10, 2015

“International and National Law in Dialogue”, Environmental, Energy, and Resource Law (ABA)  23rd Fall Conference, Chicago, Illinois October 28, 2015.

Convocation Keynote, Université de la Fondation Aristide, Tabarre, Haiti, October 5, 2015.

 

James R. May

Climate and the Rights of the Child, Essex University, June 11, 2021

Climate and Dignity, Essex University, June 9, 2021

Keynote, Climate Change and Human Rights, Essex University June 9, 2021

“Recent Developments in Federal Environmental Law,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute, April 21, 2021

Guest speaker, “Petition on Human Rights in Haiti,” School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University, April 13, 2021

Human Rights and the Environment, Monmouth College, March 26, 2021

“Beyond the Paris Agreement: Environmental Human Rights and Climate Change,” George Washington School of Law, March 12, 2021

Guest speaker, Climate Law, Natural Resources Law, University of Oregon, February 22, 2021

“Environmental Justice Resolution,” ABA Section on Environmental, Energy and Recourses Winter Council Meeting, February 5, 2021

“Environmentalism and Constitutionalism,” The Global Summit on Constitutionalism, University of Ottawa, January 15, 2021

“Environmental Justice Resolution,” ABA Section on Environment, Energy and Resources Fall Council Meeting, November 6, 2020

“Environmental Justice: How do we get there?,” American College of Environmental Lawyers, October 22, 2020

Guest Speaker, Widener University, Environmental Science, October 16, 2020

“Dignity Rights and Social Justice,” Dean’s Forum, Delaware Law School, October 15, 2020

“The Rights of Nature,” Global Forum on the Rights of Nature, October 2, 2020

“A Right to a Stable Climate? The Due Process Clause and its Detractors,” Cardozo University School of Law, September 25, 2020

“Future Environmental Law Professors Conference,” Haub School of Law at Pace University, September 18, 2020

“Overlooking Human Dignity in Environmental Outcomes” (American College of Environmental Lawyers), July 16, 2020

“Environmental Enforcement and Covid-19” (UNIVALI and Delaware Law School), May 6, 2020

“Litigation on Human Rights and Climate Change,” Human Rights and Climate Change Workshop, University of Essex, May 1, 2020

“The Indivisibility of Human Dignity and Climate Change,” Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development: Lessons from Around the World, Law & Society Annual Conference (virtual) May 30, 2020, available here

“Impact of Covid-19 on Environmental Law,” in Webinar Series, Law in the Time of Covid-19, co-sponsored with Delaware Law School and UNIVALI, Santa Catarina, Brazil, May 6, 2020

“Dignity Rights and the Environment,” Haub School of Law at Pace University, February 28, 2020

“Overlooking Human Dignity in Environmental Outcomes,” Georgetown University Law Center, February 27, 2020

“Overlooking Human Dignity in Environmental Outcomes,” CUNY, Georgetown University Law Center, February 26, 2020, see here

“Professional Responsibility in the Age of the Anthropocene,” New York Law School (guest lecture), February 25, 2020

“Global Climate Constitutionalism,” Columbia School of Law (guest lecture), February 24, 2020

“Climate Constitutionalism,” Advanced Seminar in Climate Change Law, Columbia University School of Law, February 18, 2020

“LNG Forum,” Widener University, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, February 7, 2020, available here

 “Professional and Corporate Social Responsibility and the Climate,” University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, February 4, 2020

“Overlooking Human Dignity in Environmental Outcomes,” George Washington School of Law, January 31, 2020, available here

“Environmental Rights and Wrongs: Implementing Environmental Constitutionalism,” Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC, January 30, 2020

“Environmental Dignity Rights and SDG 16,” Environmental Law Association of South Africa, University of Pretoria School of Law, January 27, 2020, available here

“Exploring the Relationship Between Environmental Law and Animals: Should We Move Beyond Sustainable Use?” South African Law Teachers Conference, University of Johannesburg, January 22, 2020

“Citizen Advocacy and the Clean Air Act,” Chester Environmental Partnership, November 19, 2019

“Environmental Rights and Wrongs: Implementing Environmental Constitutionalism,” Distinguished Speaker Series, Commonwealth Law School, October 29, 2019

“Environmental Rights and the Anthropocene,” Lund Roundtable on Human Rights in the Anthropocene, Raoul Wallenberg Institute, Lund University, Sweden, October 18, 2019

“Environmental Rights Update,” American College of Environmental Lawyers Annual Meeting, Academic’s Workshop, October 11, 2019

“Environmental Rights and Wrongs,” Online Environmental Workshop, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, October 3, 2019

“Environmental Rights and Wrongs: Implementing Environmental Constitutionalism,” Vermont Law School, September 21, 2019

“Potential for Environmental Petition to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights,” Port-au-Prince, Haiti, August 30, 2019

“Natural Resources Law and the Right to Dignity,” Natural Resources Law Teachers Workshop, Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation Annual Conference, Monterey, CA, July 20, 2019

“Deep Dive-Juliana v. U.S.,” Federalist Society, June 25, 2019, available here 

“Environmental Human Rights in Law,” Symposium on Environmental Rights: Law, Science and Policy, King’s College, London, UK, June 24, 2019

“Litigation Update: Juliana v. U.S.” National Webcast Teleforum, Federalist Society, June 19, 2019, available here

7^th Annual Sabin Colloquium on Innovative Environmental Law Scholarship, Columbia Law School, May 17, 2019

“Major Federal Developments in Environmental Law,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute, April 3, 2019

“Human Dignity, Mining and the Environment,” Symposium on the Changing Landscape of Regulation of the Mining Industry, William and Mary School of Law, March 20, 2019, available here

“Environmental Dignity Rights,” Critical Perspectives on Human Rights, City College of New York, March 15, 2019

“Procedural Rights in Environmental Matters,” 2019 UNECE Judicial Colloquium, “SDG16: Role of Judiciary in Promoting the Rule of Law in Environmental Matters,” United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland, February 28, 2019

“Les droits de l’homme et les droits de l’environnement,” Visiting Lectures, Sorbonne, Paris, France, February 26, 2019

“Is There a Right to a Stable Climate?”: Pace University Haub School of Law, February 22, 2019

“The Indivisibility of Dignity and Environmental Rights,” Pakistan College of Law, Lahore, Pakistan, February 2, 2019, available here

“Constitutional Climate Change and Norway,” University of Oslo, October 26, 2018

“Public Nuisance, Climate Change, and Municipal Litigation,” Federalist Society, October 24, 2018, available here

Invited Participant, Expert Meeting of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment, New York, October 22-23, 2018 

“Environmental Law in a Time of Transition at the U.S. Supreme Court,” American Bar Association Section on Environment, Energy and Resources Fall Meeting, San Diego, California, October 18, 2018

“Participatory Dignity Rights,” “Global Environmental Constitutional Trends,” “Discussion on American and Brazilian Comparative Environmental Constitutional Issues,” “Overview of American Environmental Cases,” Univali, Itajaí and Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, 4-9 October, 2018

“Environmental Dignity Rights,” 10th International Event of Governance and Sustainability, Univeridade do Vale do Itajai (UNIVALI), Itajaí and Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, October 9, 2018

“Environmental Human Rights,” 10th International Event of Governance and Sustainability, Univeridade do Vale do Itajai (UNIVALI), Itajaí and Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, October 8, 2018

“Environmental Constitutionalism,” 10th International Event of Governance and Sustainability, Univeridade do Vale do Itajai (UNIVALI), Itajaí and Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, October 6, 2018

“Careers in Sustainability,” Widener University Department of Environmental Studies, September 28, 2018

“Dignity and Climate Change,” to Legal Advocates to the Philippine Commission on Human Rights (Hearing on Petition Requesting for Investigation of the Responsibility of the Carbon Majors for Human Rights Violations or Threats of Violations Resulting from the Impacts of Climate Change), New York, September 25, 2018

“Environmental Rights,” Working Group on Environmental Rights and Standards, Lincoln, UK, September 2018

“Environmental Law in the U.S. Supreme Court,” American Bar Association National Podcast, September 14, 2018

“Sustainable Development Goals, Dignity and Environmental Rights,” 15^th Annual Joint UN Environment Course on Multilateral Environmental Agreements, University of Eastern Finland (UEF), August 23, 2018

“Environmental Constitutionalism, Climate Change and Human Rights,” 15^th Annual Joint UN Environment Course on Multilateral Environmental Agreements, University of Eastern Finland (UEF), August 22, 2018

“Global Environmental Dignity Rights,” International Union for the Conservation of Nature Academy of Environmental Law, Strathclyde, Scotland, July 6, 2018

“Indivisibility and Environmental Human Rights,” International Union for the Conservation of Nature Academy of Environmental Law, Strathclyde, Scotland, July 5, 2018

« Les Perspectives de Développement Durable, » General Student Assembly, Université de la Fondation Aristide, Tabarre, Haiti, May 16, 2018

Introductory and Closing Comments, Dignity Rights and Environmental Justice Symposium, Delaware Law School, April 13, 2018

"Environmental Justice, Locally and Globally" Dignity Rights and Environmental Justice Symposium, Delaware Law School, April 13, 2018

“Major Federal Environmental Law Developments in the Courts,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute Annual Environmental Law Forum, April 12, 2018 (with Amy Sinden)

"Les droits constitutionnels environnementales a travers le monde," a Droit Constitutional De L’environmennment, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, March 6-7, 2018

“Du droit constitutionnel classique à la doctrine du public trust aux Etats-Unis,” a Droit Constitutional De L’environmennment, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, March 6-7, 2018

"Le droit à un environnement sain: principes et arrêts," University of Limoges Masters Programme, France, March 9, 2018

Presentations on Dignity and Environmental Constitutionalism, at Pakistan College of Law, Lahore University of Management and Science (LUMS), and Kinnaird College, Nadira Hassan Law Department, Lahore, Pakistan, February 28-March 3, 2018

“Welcome and Introduction,” Asia Pacific Judicial Colloquium on Climate Change: Using Constitutions to Advance Environmental Rights and Achieve Climate Justice (with UN Environment, ADB, Lahore High Court, Punjab Legal Academy, Others), February 27, 2018

“Climate Constitutionalism and Climate Justice,” Asia Pacific Judicial Colloquium on Climate Change: Using Constitutions to Advance Environmental Rights and Achieve Climate Justice, February 27, 2018, SSRN here

“Judges, the Environment, and Access to Justice in Asia Pacific: Panel Discussion,” Lahore, Pakistan, Asia Pacific Judicial Colloquium on Climate Change: Using Constitutions to Advance Environmental Rights and Achieve Climate Justice, February 27, 2018 (moderator)

“Environmental Dignity Rights,” International Legal Scholars Academy Lecture, Widener University Delaware Law School, February 19, 2018

“Energy and Sustainability in the Trump Administration,” American Association of Law Schools Annual Meeting, San Diego, January 6, 2018

“Atmospheric Trust Litigation and Climate Justice,” Federalist Society, National Webcast, December 15, 2017, available here

“Due Process and the Right to a Stable Climate,” Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (Livestream), December 13, 2017

“Dignity Rights Education,” Global Alliance for Justice Education, Puebla Mexico, December 5, 2017

“Axe Droit comparé: droit américain Constitution et Public Trust Doctrine (Constitutional Rights in the US as a tool for Climate Liability),” Les dynamiques du contentieux climatique, usages et mobilisation du droit pour la cause climatique, Paris 1 Sorbonne, November 24, 2017

“Environmental Human Rights,” UNIVALI Law School, Florianopolis, Brazil, November 20, 2017

“Is There a Constitutional Right to a Stable Climate?,“ Widener University Delaware Law School, October 19, 2018 (Distinguished Speaker Presentation)

“Sustainability Constitutionalism,” Green Economy Symposium, University of Missouri Kansas-City, October 5, 2017, see https://umkclawreview.org/category/law-review-symposium/

“Comparative Constitutional Law and Environmental Rights in Norway,” University of Norway, October 2, 2017

“Trends in Global Environmental Constitutionalism: Rights, Procedures, Sustainability, Dignity and Climate,” Le constitutionnalisme environnemental : Quels impacts sur les ordres juridiques? Journée d’étude de l’IRENEE à University de Nancy organisée, le 29 septembre 2017

“Sustainability and Chester,” City of Chester, July 20, 2017

“Implementing Dignity Rights,” Webinar with MENA lawyers, Public Interest Law Network, New York City, July 27, 2017

“Sustainability at Widener,” Annual Sustainability Leadership Meeting of the American Association of Sustainability in Higher Education, Swarthmore College, June 21, 2017

"Environmental Constitutionalism," Universidade do Vale do Itajaí (UniVali), Florianopolis, Brazil, May 26, 2017

"Environmental Dignity Rights," Santa Catarina Judicial Association, Florianopolis, Brazil, May 24, 2017

Welcome/Closing Remarks, “Judicial Workshop on Constitutions, Environment and Human Rights," Federal Senate, Brasilia, Brazil, May 22-23, 2017

Facilitator, “Interpretation and application of constitutional environmental provisions,” May 23, 2017

“Sustainability at Widener University,” Widener Sustainability Council, May 11, 2017

“Dignity Rights Practicum,” Widener University High Impact Practices Fair, May 3, 2017

“Dignity Rights Project,” Public Interest Network, NYC, April 12, 2017 (with Erin Daly)

“Water Law and Right in Delaware,” at “At the Confluence: The Past, Present and Future of Water Law,” Sturm College of Law, University of Denver, April 7, 2017, on bepress here, remarks available here

Organizer, co-Chair and Presenter, “Sustainable Energy Summit,” Widener University, April 6, 2017

“Major Federal Court Developments in Environmental Law,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute Annual Environmental Law Forum, April 5, 2017

Welcome and Introduction, “Sustainability Showcase,” Widener University, March 29 & 30, 2017

“Environmental Dignity Rights,” Sustainability Showcase, Widener University, March 30, 2017

Welcome Remarks, “Sustainability Week,” Widener University, March 27-31, 2017

“Subnational Environmental Constitutionalism,” Haub School of Law, Pace University, March 24, 2017

“Prospects for Efficiency Improvements at Widener,” Widener University, Sustainability Council, March 23, 2017 (with Carl Pierce)

“Sustainability Update: Widener University,” Chester Environmental Partnership, March 21, 2017

“Sustainability Update: Widener University,” Pennsylvania Environmental Resources Council, March 17, 2017

 “Sustainability and Student Engagement,” Student Senate, Widener University, March 14, 2017

“Sustainability Update: Widener University,” Annual Meeting of Delaware GreenWatch, March 13, 2017

Judge, National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition, February 24, 2017

“Sustainability, Student Government and You,” Student Government Association, Widener University, February 21, 2017

“Constitutionalism and the Karoo,” Pretoria University School of Law, February 16, 2017

“Welcome and Introduction,” Sustainability Speaker Series, Widener University (Prof. Peggy Barlett), February 13, 2017

“Subnational Environmental Constitutionalism,” Mercer College of Law, Virtual Guest Speaker, January 30, 2017

“Student Sustainability Summit,” (Keynote), Widener University, January 24, 2017

“Sustainability at Delaware Law,” Student Government Association, Widener University Delaware Law School, January 20, 2017

“Sustainability and Constitutionalism,” Pennsylvania Environmental Resources Consortium Carbon Workshop, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, January 6, 2017

“Prospects for Amending Maryland Constitution to Incorporate a Right to a Healthy Environment,” to Hon. Robert A. Zirkin, Maryland State Senator, December 15, 2017

"International Environmental Law Lectures," UNIFA, Tabarre, Haiti December 13-15, 2016

“Climate Change and the Law,” Honors Seminar, Widener University, November 30, 2016

“Dignity Rights and the Law,” Carter, Ledyard and Milburn, NYC, November 22, 2016

“Welcome and Introduction,” Sustainability Speaker Series, Widener University, November 18, 2016 (Leith Sharp)

“Careers in Environmental and Public Interest Law,” Transformers Series, Career Development Office, Widener University Delaware Law School, November 16, 2016

“Sustainability and the Law,” Chester City Hall, Chester Environmental Partnership, November 15, 2016

“Dimensions of Constitutional Climate Change and the Law,” Conference of the Parties –22, International Panel on Climate Change, Marrakesh, Morocco, November 11, 2016

“Trends in Environmental Constitutionalism,” at International Seminar, COP-22: “Constitutions, Environment and Environmental Rights: Comparative Analysis of Contents, Implications and Prospects,” Moroccan Human Rights Commission, Marrakesh, Morocco, November 10, 2016

“Pro Bono Opportunities for Advancing the Rule of Law,” Annual Meeting of the American College of Environmental Lawyers, New Orleans, October 28, 2016

“Sustainability and the Law,” Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Environmental Resources Consortium, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, October 24, 2016

“Opportunities for Sustainability in Higher Education and Law,” Annual Meeting of the American Association of Sustainability in Higher Education (Side Event), Baltimore, Maryland, October 11, 2016

“Sustainability and Dignity Rights in Legal Education,” Annual Meeting of the American Association of Sustainability in Higher Education (Poster Session), Baltimore, Maryland, October 11, 2016

“Welcome Remarks, Youth Court and Delaware Law,” Widener University Delaware Law, September 29, 2016

“Opportunities for Sustainability in Greek Life,” Widener University, September 26, 2016

“Sustainability and Student Life,” Widener University, Sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs, September 20, 2016

“Careers in Sustainability,” Student Sustainability Committee, Widener University, September 20, 2016

“Sustainability, Dignity, and Higher Education,” Annual World Conference on Sustainable Universities, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, September 16, 2016

“Sustainability at Widener,” Student Affairs, Widener University, September 6, 2016

“Sustainability in Higher Education: Prospects Here and There,” Cardiff University, Wales, August 30, 2016

“Establishing a Sustainability Center,” Wales University Sustainability Center, Wales, United Kingdom, August 29, 2016

“Sustainability and the Law,” Sustainability Officers’ Retreat, American Association of Sustainability in Higher Education, University of British Columbia, July 29, 2016

“Global Environmental Constitutionalism,” UNIVALI University School of Law, July 8, 2016

“Procedural Environmental Rights in Constitutional Tribunals,” International Union for the Conservation of Nature Academy of Environmental Law, Oslo Norway, June 23, 2016

“Constitutionalism and Environmental Rule of Law,” 2016 India-Hawai‘i Law Symposium: Environmental Rule of Law, Environmental Courts, Climate & Constitutions, Richardson School of Law, University of Hawai’i, June 16, 2016

Wilmington and Sustainability,” City of Wilmington Department of Planning & Development, June 15, 2016

“Environmental Law in the United States,” Lawyer’s Association of Haiti, Port Au Prince, Haiti, May 31, 2016

“Technology Based Standards under the Clean Water Act: Developments,” American Law Institute-American Bar Association Annual Water Law Conference, Washington, DC, May 20, 2016

“La Durabilité Environnementale et la Dignité,” a Environnement : Inquiétudes D'aujourd'hui et de Demain, Semaine Scientifique, Universite de law Fondation Dr. Aristide, Tabarre, Haiti, May 17, 2016

“Subnational Standards in Environmental Constitutionalism,” University of Lincoln, United Kingdom, May 10, 2016, available here

“Sustainability and Social Justice,” Chester Environmental Partnership, May 10, 2016

“Sustainability at Widener University,” Sustainability Week, Widener University, April 22, 2016

Advisor, Sustainability Week, Widener University, April 18-22, 2016

“Sustainability and the Practice of Law in Delaware,” Annual Environmental Update, Environmental Law Section of the Delaware State Bar Association, April 26, 2016

Co-chair, organizer and Presenter, “Judicial Workshop in Environmental Constitutional Rights,” University of Pretoria, South Africa, April 15, 2016

Welcome and Introduction, “Judicial Workshop in Environmental Constitutional Rights,” University of Pretoria, South Africa, April 15, 2016

“Sustainability and Environmental Constitutionalism,” at New Frontiers in Environmental Constitutionalism, Pochesfstroon, South Africa, April 14, 2016

“Major Developments in Federal Courts,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute, Annual Environmental Law Forum, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, April 6, 2016

Sponsor, “Night/Day of Sustainable Thinking,” Widener University, March 31 & April 6, 2016

“Sustainability at Widener University,” at “Day of Sustainable Thinking,” Widener University, April 6, 2016

Speaker, “Night of Sustainable Thinking,” Widener University, March 31, 2016

Advocate, “Constitutional Law Debate,” Sponsored by the Constitutional Law Society, Widener University Delaware Law School, March 23, 2016

“Student Sustainability at Delaware Law School,” Student Government Association, Widener University Delaware Law School, March 22, 2016

Chair, Founder and Sponsor, “Sustainability Showcase,” Widener University, March 15-16, 2016

Welcome and Introduction, “Sustainability Showcase,” Widener University, March 15, 2016

“Youth Court and Social Justice,” “Sustainability Showcase,” Widener University, March 16, 2016

“Careers in Sustainability,” Student Senate, Widener University, March 14, 2016

“Sustainability and the Future of Energy,” Delcora Inc., Chester, Pennsylvania, March 8, 2016

“Student Sustainability,” Student Government Association, Widener University, March 7, 2016

“Environmental Dignity Rights,” Sturm College of Law, Denver University, February 29, 2016

 “Development and Sustainability at Widener University,” Student Philanthropy Council, February 24, 2016

“Opportunities for Growing Sustainability at Commonwealth Law School,” February 23, 2016

“Justice Scalia’s Environmental Legacy,” American Bar Association Section on Energy, Environment and Resources National Teleconference, February 19, 2016

“Environmental Law in the U.S.,” UNIFA, January 16, 2016

“Haiti, COP, and Global Developments in Climate Change Law,” UNIFA, January 17, 2016

Learn More About the Environmental Rights Institute

Specialize your JD degree in environmental law while defending our planet and supporting sustainability initiatives through the Environmental Rights Institute. Contact our program directors today or request more information.