Prof Petra Minnerop speaks in Columbia University Conference on Attribution Science and Climate Law

The conference brought together leading researchers, legal scholars, scientists, practitioners and policymakers from around the world to examine the rapidly evolving field of climate change attribution science and its implications for law, litigation, governance and public policy. The interdisciplinary programme explored how advances in climate science can inform legal decision-making and strengthen responses to the growing challenges posed by climate change. Key themes included climate impacts and damages, climate litigation, accountability and responsibility for climate harms, climate displacement, international governance, and emerging legal and policy frameworks.

Attribution science has become increasingly important in climate governance and climate litigation. By improving our understanding of the extent to which specific climate impacts and extreme weather events can be linked to anthropogenic climate change, attribution research is helping courts, governments and international institutions address questions of causation, responsibility and accountability. The conference provided an important forum for dialogue between scientists, lawyers and policymakers working at the forefront of these developments.

Prof Minnerop's participation reflects the CSDLP's ongoing commitment to interdisciplinary research on climate governance, international law, sustainability and just transitions. Her work explores the intersections between international climate law, global commons governance, environmental justice and evidence-based decision-making, all of which were central themes of the conference.

Many of the issues discussed in New York resonate strongly with the Centre's own research agenda. In September, the CSDLP will host its forthcoming conference, bringing together academics, policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders to explore contemporary challenges in climate governance, sustainability and the governance of the global commons. The conference will provide an opportunity to continue conversations on climate accountability, international cooperation, scientific evidence in policymaking, and pathways towards a just and sustainable future.

We look forward to sharing further details about the September conference in the coming weeks and warmly invite colleagues and collaborators interested in these issues to join us.