Training/Workshop Sessions on Climate Change and Environmental Care
As part of the project, we organized two training/workshop sessions specifically designed for students of Slovak universities. Both sessions were held at the Faculty of Law, Comenius University in Bratislava and attracted 108 participants.
Focus Areas
- Climate Change.
- Environmental Care.
Objectives
Our primary goal was to engage students with critical issues related to climate change and environmental protection. We emphasized practical experience and the legal dimensions of these global challenges.
Format
The sessions were conducted in an open lecture format, led by subject matter experts. These experts provided in-depth insights into their respective topics and fostered an interactive learning environment. Students were encouraged to participate actively by asking questions and engaging in discussions throughout the lectures.
Key Outcomes
- Enhanced Awareness: Students gained a deeper understanding of the impact of climate change and the importance of environmental care.
- Practical Knowledge: Participants learned about the practical aspects and legal implications of environmental issues, especially the climate change.
- Active Engagement: The interactive format encouraged students to engage with the topics from the perspectives of civil society members and future legal professionals.
Future Impact
These sessions aimed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to address environmental issues in their future careers. Whether working with residents, municipalities, public authorities, companies, or the state, students will be better prepared to influence and respond to environmental challenges.
Climate-environmental Day of the Faculty of Law I [13 October 2023 09:00 – 15:00]
The first session was divided into four parts, featuring two lectures focused on environmental aspects and two primarily on climate change.
- Environmental Crime:
- Lecturer: Mário Kern, Director of the Environmental Police in Slovakia.
- Content: This block covered the legal aspects and features of criminal activities endangering the environment in Slovakia, illustrated with real-world cases. The session was highly enriching as it highlighted practical problems related to environmental crimes.
- Brown Bear Regulation:
- Lecturer: Michal Haring, National Park of High Tatras.
- Content: This segment discussed the legal regulation and management of brown bears in Slovakia, a topic of current debate. Michal Haring shared his extensive experience as a member of the bear intervention team.
- Climate Change Legislation:
- Lecturer: Matúš Michalovič, Assistant Professor, Department of Administrative and Environmental Law
- Content: The lecture began with a quiz to gauge students’ knowledge of climate change. It then covered the legal battle against climate change, emphasizing European Union and Slovak legislation. The session highlighted the impact of everyday activities on climate change.
- Legal Actions for Climate Protection:
- Lecturer: Martin Ábel, Česká klimatická žaloba (Czech Climate Lawsuit).
- Content: This interactive block allowed students to discuss legal issues related to enforcing state obligations in climate change. Martin Ábel shared insights from a significant legal case where an NGO sued the state for failing its climate obligations. Students learned about their claims against public authorities and the process of preparing legal pleadings and establishing NGOs.
Additional Activity
An optional follow-up activity took place on November 9. Despite initial delays due to weather and tree maturity, approximately 25 students and faculty members planted 1,200 young trees near the village of Kuchyňa. This event emphasized the importance of forests in combating climate change, protecting biodiversity, soil and water, and supporting wildlife.
Climate-environmental Day of the Faculty of Law II [13 December 2023 15:00 – 20:00]
Following the insights gained from our first event, we adjusted our approach for the subsequent workshop to allow longer time slots for individual speakers, facilitating a more in-depth exploration of each topic. The event was structured into three distinct blocks.
Session Overview
- Nuclear Energy and Major Nuclear Disasters:
- Lecturer: Eva Viglašová, Nuclear Energy Expert.
- Content: This session focused on nuclear energy as a potential key energy source for Slovakia’s future, emphasizing its connection to climate change and environmental protection. Eva Viglašová, a leading expert in the field, discussed how nuclear energy can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels, thus contributing to climate change mitigation. However, she also addressed the environmental risks associated with nuclear energy, including major nuclear disasters, and the importance of stringent safety measures.
- Climate Activism and Legal Perspectives:
- Lecturer: Jakub Hrbáň, Climate Activist
- Content: The second session examined climate activism through a legal lens and presented recent developments from the international stage. Jakub Hrbáň, one of Slovakia’s pioneering climate activists, discussed various methods for influencing state policy through NGOs, including petitions, protests, and submissions of comments on strategic documents and draft laws. He also shared insights from the recently concluded COP28, offering students the latest information on global climate change solutions. Students also learned about their claims against public authorities and the process of preparing legal pleadings and establishing NGOs.
- Informal Networking and Feedback Session:
- Activity: Decorating the Faculty Christmas Tree
Content: The final block was an informal session where students and lecturers decorated the faculty Christmas tree. This segment provided a relaxed atmosphere for discussing environmental protection and climate change issues. It also served as an opportunity to gather feedback from participants regarding the event and their learning experiences.
