On September 27, a group of distinguished environmental law scholars gathered at Maryland Carey Law for a symposium on Transnational Perspectives on the Paris Climate Agreement. Speakers included professors from 10 universities, two environmental groups and the European Commission. Susan Biniaz, who represented the U.S. during the climate negotiations, reviewed the development of the Paris Agreement and the current place of the U.S. in international law in light of President Trump’s intent to withdraw from it. Professor Cary Coglianese from the University of Pennsylvania discussed the design of the Paris Agreement and what it says about the limits of flexibility and shaming as a governance strategy.
Other speakers, including Professor Vicki Arroyo of Georgetown, assessed the “We Are Still In” movement and subnational initiatives to meet the goals of the climate agreement. Papers prepared for the symposium will be published in the Maryland Journal of International Law.