Labour law through the lens of climate change

This unit explores the intersections between labour law/employment law, environmental regulation, and the global response to climate change. It examines how labour law  frameworks, both domestic and international, address the evolving challenges of climate change in the context of work, employment relations, and the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers. Drawing upon the history and development of labour law, you will analyse how environmental imperatives are reshaping employment rights, health and safety standards, workplace transitions to low-carbon economies, and social justice considerations. Key themes include the role of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the operation and adequacy of International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, and the implications of terms such as “matters pertaining” for collective bargaining and regulatory reform.