Nature-Based Climate Solutions Policy Lab (809R)
Nature-based climate solutions can enhance the natural proclivity of landscapes and seascapes to combat climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while generating co-benefits such as biodiversity, cleaner air and water, and improved resilience in the face of destructive climate impacts. Yet “nature-based climate solutions” (NbS) are not well-defined and a general lack of understanding, experience and information-sharing about NbS is holding back their adoption. In addition, U.S. laws and policies can limit the deployment of NbS.
In this policy lab we will work with a non-profit client that invests in a large number of NbS and is interested in identifying and overcoming barriers that are constraining their investments, and in improving how they measure, monitor and verify the climate and other benefits associated with NbS projects.
Consent Application: Students interested in enrolling in this policy lab should complete a consent application that includes these elements: Briefly describe why you are interested in this policy lab; Please describe your prior relevant courses and work experience; Are you willing to attend a Saturday morning session at the law school on Elements of Policy Analysis?
Policy Lab Consent Applications are available at the SLS Registrar. Applications for this course will be available by February 28.
Elements used in grading: TBA.
Cross-listed with the Doerr School of Sustainability (SUSTAIN 212). Students admitted to SUSTAIN 212/LAW 809R will automatically receive a permission code to enroll LAW 809R in Axess. Admitted students wishing to enroll in SUSTAIN 212 should contact the instructor for a permission code to enroll in that course number.
News
Report from Stanford Law School Policy Lab and Stanford Doerr School Makes Recommendations to Advance Nature-Based Solutions
To increase investment in nature-based solutions, new Stanford report recommends increased attention on measuring and verifying carbon and other benefits
July 24, 2023—Stanford, CA—Nature-based solutions can play a significant role in combating climate change by removing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; yet, investments in reforestation and other nature-based projects are lagging due, in large part, to inadequate quantification and confirmation of carbon removals and other ecosystem benefits that typically flow from nature-based investments—including increased resilience to climate impacts, according to a new report from Stanford Law School’s Law and Policy Lab, the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, and the Bezos Earth Fund, published today. Stanford Law’s Policy Labs provide students with hands-on experience influencing and advising individuals, government agencies, and non-profit organizations about cutting-edge issues in real time. […]