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The overwhelming scientific consensus is that, due to human activity, the global climate is changing in a manner that will be disruptive to human and ecological communities.  This talk will investigate the legal basis and current status of citizens’ legal right to a stable climate in which to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Elizabeth Valentine, J.D. will discuss:  the theoretical arguments in support of a constitutional right to a stable climate, the arguments currently being made in federal court on behalf of the Our Children's Trust law suit, and a petition from Maine School of Law and collaborating organizations to the Maine DEP, to force agency rulemaking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the state of Maine.

Sponsored by the ³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ Departments of Environmental Studies and Political Science, and the Interdisciplinary Minor in Climate Change Studies.