In the Eye of the Storm: Effectively Resolving Emerging Climate Change Disputes

Feb. 23, 2010, 12 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Climate change has been compared to the industrial revolution in terms of its potential for monumental impacts on society and its resources. Massive changes are contemplated, whether it is due to rising ocean levels, dwindling water resources or changes in weather patterns and land productivity.  Issues related to climate change have already led to a raft of litigation and promise to give rise to numerous disputes in the future. The lawsuits and legal requirements arising from climate change will involve businesses, governmental agencies and not for profit organizations, will touch virtually every sector of society, and involve many areas of the law. A paradigm shift will also be required as the ramifications of climate change will be borne primarily at the local level and  local communities and  businesses will have to work together to adapt to the impacts of climate change. This challenge will require a collaborative effort that will change not only how local decisions are made, but what it means to effectively represent client interests.

An expert panel will highlight the many claims and disputes that have arisen and may arise in the future related to climate change and discuss the dispute resolution mechanisms (litigation, arbitration, mediation and collaboration) best suited to achieving resolution and addressing the challenges of climate change.

Moderator

  • Charles Denton, Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Speakers

  • Michael Gerrard, Director, Center for Climate Change Law, Columbia Law School
  • David Batson, Senior Collaboration & ADR Specialist, Conflict Prevention and Resolution Center, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Edna Sussman, arbitrator and mediator, SussmanADR LLC, Distinguished ADR Practitioner in Residence, Fordham University School of Law

Registration Fees

$35 for members of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, ABA Environment Energy and Resources, Litigation and Business Law Sections, the Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Ecosystems Committee of ABA SEER and members of cooperating state and local bar association. (see below for a list of cooperating state and local bar associations)

$55 if not a member of the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution or other cooperating bar associations.

Please note this Teleconference has not been approved for CLE.  Individual teleconference participants may apply for CLE directly with their own state CLE agency.

Cooperating Bar Associations:

  • Alaska Bar Association
  • The Florida Bar
  • Hawaii State Bar Association
  • Indiana State Bar Association
  • State Bar of Montana
  • Nebraska State Bar Association
  • State Bar of New Mexico New York State Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • State Bar of Texas