The Penn State Climate Consortium is gearing up for its next Climate Conversation Café on January 22. This event will feature Professor Jonathan Marks, who teaches bioethics, humanities, law, and philosophy at Penn State. The discussion will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Earth and Engineering Sciences Building. If you can’t make it in person, don’t worry—you can register to join virtually here.
Professor Marks will speak on “Written in Wind and Water? The Evolving Right to a Healthy Environment in Climate Litigation.” He will explore recent climate lawsuits in the U.S. and Europe where the right to a healthy environment played a crucial role. This includes discussions on the advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights that address climate change.
Marks, who also directs the Bioethics Program and is part of the School of International Affairs, is no stranger to the intersection of law and environmental issues. His experience as a barrister with expertise in human rights and public health complements his academic focus. He has voiced concerns about local and global environmental threats, such as fracking and climate change, emphasizing the pressing need for sound policy and legal frameworks.
Recent studies show that public concern about climate change is rising. A 2022 survey found that over 70% of Americans believe the government should take stronger action on environmental issues. With conversations like this one at Penn State, awareness and activism around climate litigation can only grow.
As we think about the evolving legal concept of a right to a healthy environment, it’s clear that these discussions are not just academic—they’re vital to our future. Keeping up with these issues is crucial for anyone interested in environmental policy and human rights.
