Greeting & optional pre-networking, 10:30-11:00 AM

Innovating with the New York Green Amendment, 11:00 - 12:00 PM
In 2021, New York became the third state to constitutionally recognize the human right to a healthy environment, called a “Green Amendment.” While the courts may take time to fully integrate these rights, local governments can begin to articulate and uphold them immediately through municipal laws and programs. Join our speaker series to learn about how local governments can join the fight for climate justice. Also learn more about the landmark advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on climate rights, and implications locally. 

Introduction to Earth Law, 12:30 - 1:30 PM
Earth law is a growing global movement to align human legal systems with the laws of nature. This introduction explores innovations in the Rights of Nature, rights of future generations, bioregional governance, and related efforts. Case studies include New York, Indigenous Nations, and global precedent. The panel of speakers includes leading experts in the field.

Ecocentrism in the Urban Environment, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Cities are ecosystems, too. Around the world, a growing number of governments are working to live in harmony with the natural world with innovative legal initiatives and research agendas. This session will highlight many of these innovations–from rights of the Seine River in Paris to citizenship for bees in Curridabat, Costa Rica; from rewilding London to a history of native ecosystems in New York City, where streams and creeks still exist beneath the layers of concrete – and much more.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS