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At a meeting for students of the Master’s programme Law and Sustainability in Europe, Michael Rice from ClientEarth gave a presentation. At this environmental law charity, he is responsible for value chains and is Trade & Investment Lead. The title of his presentation was: Law and Sustainability: Where is Europe Heading?

In his keynote, Rice discussed the work of ClientEarth and provided an inside look at the development of the EU’s new Deforestation Regulation. He discussed the law and the importance of the political context in legislative processes.The law can be a powerful tool for change , said Rice. It should serve the public interest. Cases before the courts and legislation can have a far-reaching impact. But the law never exists in a vaccuum. Which means that legal reform is vulnerable to influence, especially on contested topics like sustainability. Being aware of the politics of law making and being on guard for sustainability narratives that actually perpetuate business as usual is vital for the future of this earth.

Collaboration in a Law Clinic

This keynote is part of a broader collaboration. Students will work on a research report for ClientEarth. They will do so under the supervision of Michael Rice and Lorenzo Fiorilli from the agency, and from Utrecht University: lecturers Gonzalo Larrea and Willem Janssen.

We are really excited about working with the students the master's programme Law and Sustainability in Europe , said Michael Rice. The world desperately needs new thinking and we need to engage bright young minds of today to shape the world of tomorrow. 

Willem Janssen, coördinator of the master's programme says: "Our programme aims to deliver the sustainability lawyers of the future. Engaging with societal stakeholders like ClientEarth provides our students with a vital real-world perspective."