LAW6471 Green Finance, Regulation and the Environment

This module critically explores green finance and sustainability, examining key instruments such as carbon markets, divestment strategies, and Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria in relation to frameworks such as the UK Climate Change Act, the Paris Agreement and UN and EU sanctioned carbon markets. It critically assesses and challenges how law and regulation mainstream green finance and mobilise capital in an attempt to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. Students will interrogate whether green finance drives real environmental change or perpetuates unsustainable practices, considering risks including greenwashing. Through case studies, students will develop skills to evaluate the ethical, legal and socio-political implications of green finance and engage in climate justice debates.