Law academic joins global network investigating climate change law and litigation

A Northumbria University law professor has joined a prestigious international network of scholars investigating global trends in climate change law and litigation.

Professor Gita Gill from Northumbria Law School was invited to partner with the Sabin Centre for Climate Change Law, based at Columbia University Law School, New York. The invitation follows the publication of some of her recent research in The Environmental Law Review. It was considered innovative, relevant and of significant value to the Centre’s aims. Professor Gill joins the Sabin Centre as the Climate Change National Rapporteur for India.

The Sabin Centre’s Peer Review Network of Global Climate Litigation involves practitioners and scholars from around the world. They contribute to the Centre’s global climate change litigation database and ensure that it is comprehensive and up to date. This network connects with like-minded scholars and engages in conversations on the legal arguments adopted in climate litigation. The goal is broad and equal geographic representation and provide rapporteurs – those appointed to report on proceedings - with multiple opportunities to engage with the Centre.

Commenting on the appointment Professor Gill said: “As was evident at the recent COP 26, climate change and environmental justice are among the most pressing challenges we face today. Unfortunately, it is the most vulnerable communities that are at greatest risk. I am enthusiastic about joining this prestigious global network of scholars. Monitoring global climate change legislation and litigation around the world is crucial in addressing these challenges. I am keen to contribute in any way I can through my research and fieldwork in India.”

Professor Michael Stockdale, Head of Northumbria Law School, added: “Gita was invited to join this internationally-recognised network after the Centre saw some of her recent research publications on environmental law and justice and were so impressed by the insight and knowledge this work added. It reflects the quality and impact of research at Northumbria in such a critical area.”