The Influence of the Paris Agreement on Climate Litigation: The Rocky Hill Mine Case Study

'The Influence of the Paris Agreement on Climate Litigation: The Rocky Hill Mine Case Study'

The Honourable Justice Brian Preston, Chief Judge of the Land and Environment Court, New South Wales, Australia and Visiting Professor at Durham Law School delivered a guest lecture to our 3rd year LLB (Hons) students on the Climate Change Law & Policy module on 08 February 2024. Justice Preston spoke on 'The Influence of the Paris Agreement on Climate Litigation' and shared invaluable practical insights with respect to the Paris Agreement and its obligations; domestic climate regulatory instruments, and case law on climate litigation. Justice Preston highlighted ongoing challenges and the fact that the current nationally determined contributions and domestic policies are largely insufficient and risk the long-term Paris Agreement goals. In light of his judgments, he offered insights into the extent to which the climate litigation can play its part to enhance the effectiveness of the Paris Agreement. Our students benefitted greatly from their engagement with Justice Preston which was evident from the excellent feedback received after the lecture.