Now in its 19th year, the conference invites leading experts to share the latest legal developments and research advancements across environmental law, regulation and policy.

This year’s conference will feature more than 50 speakers including Clíona Kimber SC on a blueprint for an environmental code, Dr Mary Dobbs on a pathway to environment protections post-Brexit, Professor Patrick Parenteau on the role of courts in the EU and USA in adjudicating climate litigation and Tom Flynn SC on the implications of the Planning and Development Bill 2023.

Other subjects that will be explored include greenwashing regulation, climate adaption policy, marine environment law and Just Transition. There will be two dedicated specialist sessions on the emerging ‘rights of nature’ paradigm, as recently endorsed by the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss.

Professor Owen McIntyre, professor at UCC School of Law and co-director of the Centre for Law and the Environment, said: “The annual Law and the Environment Conference at UCC is an indispensable fixture in the environmental calendar, bringing together key actors in environmental policy-making, regulation, legal practice, civil society, industry, consultancy and research to learn from leaders in research and practice from Ireland, Europe and beyond.

“It provides a unique forum for constructive engagement and interaction among all stakeholders in environmental policy.”

The conference is taking place next Thursday 20 April 2023. More information is available from the conference website.