Climate law framework
What is the framework?
LSE’s Grantham Institute defines ‘framework legislation’ as a subset of climate laws that bring together domestic and international agendas. These often include:
- the strategic direction for national climate change policy
- are passed by the legislative branch of government
- drafting key targets for sustainable outcomes
Why the framework is relevant
Climate change affects everyone to different extremes. From droughts to an increase in energy prices, we are all impacted. In the effort to alleviate these pressures, we are constantly thinking of ways to support chambers become more sustainable.
Why the Bar Council is encouraging it
We want to help inform you of these issues, and support you to make your practice greener. You can do this by joining the Bar Council’s Sustainability Network, or by applying for the courses listed, which will help to enhance your knowledge of the area.
- Bournemouth & Poole College: Certificate in Understanding Climate Change and Environmental Awareness
- The Open University: Energy in Buildings
- The Open University: Can Renewable Energy Sources Power the World?
- The Open University: Understanding the Environment: Problems with the way we Think
- The Open University: Understanding the Environment: Learning and Communication
- United Nations Environment Programme: The Ecosystem Approach and Systems Thinking
- Partnership for Environment and Disaster Risk Reduction (PEDRR): Nature-Based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience
Climate conscious lawyering
The concept of climate conscious lawyering
"Climate conscious lawyering" is a recent term that refers to a lawyer factoring in the environmental impact on their work.
It requires an understanding of the intersections between a legal problem or dispute and the climate crisis. In doing so, it is expected that the legal issue helps to address the environmental ramifications.
- Read Brian Peston's article "Climate Conscious Lawyering (October 24, 2021)"
- Read guidance provided by the Law Society
The Bar Council is in the process of producing similar guidance on this issue, and is being supported by the Climate Crisis Working group.
Carbon literacy
What is carbon literacy?
Carbon literacy is understanding the impact carbon emissions have on everyday activities. Through this awareness, there is an active effort to reduce emissions on an individual, community or organisational basis.
To increase awareness of carbon emissions in the legal sector, the Bar Council has implemented several programmes and initiatives, which include:
- The Bar Council’s Annual Sustainability Summit
- The Carbon Calculator
- Measure, Manage, Reduce workshops
- Good Practice Guides
This work is supported through the Bar Sustainability Network and Achill Management (a consultancy that specialises in the implementation of net zero transitions across legal and professional services).