The green transformation of society and - inextricably linked to it - the energy and mobility transition are gathering pace. With the help of wind power, solar energy, and other renewable energy sources, the move away from fossil fuels is set to succeed. The aim is to reorganise the transport and energy sector in a climate-neutral way and thus achieve net zero by 2050.
However, striving to fulfil this goal goes hand in hand with a rapidly growing demand for so-called critical raw materials. These include cobalt, lithium, nickel, and rare earths. Some of these are extracted under precarious working conditions, in violation of basic human rights, and at the expense of local populations and the environment. The fact that these raw materials have so far been extracted primarily in countries of the Global South means that it is precisely these countries that have to bear the consequences and costs of raw material extraction.
Against this background, this programme line poses questions on the topic of justice in the extraction of and the dealing with raw materials, the relationship between the Global South and the Global North, and the moral and legal obligations for industrialised countries arising from this situation.
The Joachim Herz Doctoral School organised a workshop on the topic of "Sustainable Supply Chains - Risks in Green Energy Transitions" as part of this year's Joint Forum (link).
The Joint Forum is a conference series of the European Centre for Advanced Studies (link) and promotes scientific cooperation between Scotland and Lower Saxony. It provides cooperation projects between researchers from these regions with space to present, discuss, and further develop their projects.
In collaboration with Dr Bennett Collins (link) from the University of Aberdeen, Stephanie de Sousa Vieira (link) and Saumya Raval (link), both of them fellows at the Joachim Herz Doctoral School of Law, presented the first step of a Lower Saxony-Scotland collaboration within the context of this conference. This project deals with the problem that the raw materials required for the energy and mobility transition in the Global North are mostly extracted in countries of the Global South. In some cases, the extraction of so-called critical raw materials (such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths) leads to massive and systematic human rights violations and deprives the local population of their livelihoods (e.g. through environmental pollution or land grabbing). This in turn raises the question of how the fact that the energy and mobility transition in regions of the Global North is taking place at the expense and to the detriment of people in the Global South should be categorised from a moral and legal perspective (also against the background of former colonial and current neo-colonial power structures).
The following speakers provided valuable insights on this topic, which could be further deepened during this workshop (in a subsequent discussion):
- Dr Anaïs Tobalagba, Rights and Accountability in Development (RAID, link)
- Dr Julia Benkert, Leuphana University of Lüneburg (link)
- Dr Jose Antonio Ballesteros Figueroa, Tecnológico de Monterrey (link)
- Dr Bennett Collins, University of Aberdeen (link)
We would like to thank all participants and the audience for their valuable contribution to this project.
On 28 June 2024, the screening of the film "Deep Rising“ (from 2023) took place in the forum of the central building of Leuphana University Lüneburg.
The documentary deals with the topic of deep-sea mining and addresses the associated dangers and risks for humanity and nature. It focuses on the economic amibitions of private actors in this context and also casts a critical light on the activities of the International Seabed Authority, which is responsible for regulating the extraction of raw materials from the ocean floor.
The film draws particular attention to the incalculable consequences of the economic exploitation of these raw material deposits. Accordingly, there is an acute danger of the lasting destruction of an entire ecosystem about which mankind has hardly any information to date. Any intervention in this context could therefore lead to irreparable damage within a habitat that is home to countless as yet unknown species.
However, due to the energy transition and the green transformation, the demand for critical raw materials such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium is so high that private investors are nevertheless considering mining them in the depths of the oceans. This creates substantial tension between economic concerns and environmental interests in the context of deep sea mining.
The experts invited to the subsequent panel discussion addressed these points and discussed them with the audience:
- Anna Gross, CEO DEEPWAVE e.V. (Link)
- Daniela Herrmann, Greenpeace Germany (Link)
- Prof. Dr. Valentin Schatz, Leuphana University Lüneburg (Link)
We would like to thank them once again - as well as Johannes Ipsen (fellow of the Joachim Herz Doctoral School of Law) as the discussion moderator - for their participation and contribution to this event.
Global crises pose numerous challenges to the international and European order and inevitably require adjustments. In addition to climate change, the loss of relevance of multilateralism, the emerging fraction of the international community along power-political and economic fault lines, and the numerous wars and armed conflicts, among others, are forcing the global community to face a complex and multifaceted process of transformation. The effects of these crises do not stop at the borders of the European Union, forcing it to adapt accordingly, to seek European and international solutions, and to rethink its role at global level. This format line therefore focuses on the role of law at the European and international level and how current transformation processes and adaptation needs are (or can be) addressed in this context.
Research Colloquium: "GLOBAL TRANSFORMATIONS: THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM AT A CROSSROADS?"
on 25 - 26 October 2024 at Leuphana University Lüneburg
On 25 and 26 October, the Joachim Herz Doctoral School of Law, together with the AG Junge UNO-Forschung (Deutsche Gesellschaft für die Vereinten Nationen), hosted this year's UN Research Colloquium on "Global Transformations: The International System at a Crossroads?". The event was aimed at young researchers and students of all disciplines and provided an opportunity to present and discuss current research papers, bachelor/master theses and seminar papers.
The Colloquium addressed the current global transformation processes that pose significant challenges to the international system in general and to the United Nations in particular. A wide range of changes are taking place at both the national and global levels, which in turn require extensive processes of adaptation. Worldviews and perspectives are shifting, key factors (e.g. climate) are undergoing significant changes, and new developments require a re-evaluation of established concepts. However, none of these changes take place in a social, legal or political vacuum. The aim of the research colloquium was therefore to examine these transformation processes from a multi- and interdisciplinary perspective and to bring together the insights gained in the colloquium and in a joint exchange of ideas.
The two-day research colloquium opened with a keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Tobias Lenz (Professor of International Relations, Leuphana University Lüneburg), in which he discussed the phenomenon of the transformation of international organisations and presented his latest research findings on this topic.
©Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
©Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
©Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
25 October 2024
- Panel 1: Environment
- Chad Patrick Osorio (Wageningen University) - Global crime, local consequences: Analyzing the UNTOC’s proposed third additional protocol and unequal access to wildlife resources
- Philipp Rehm (Humboldt University Berlin) - Reconstructing the Relationship between Humans and Non-Humans: the “Common Heritage of Kin-Kind” and its Consequences for the LOCAL
- Panel 2: Digital & Investment
- Claudia Pharaon (Leiden University) - Global Transformations and Reinvention of the International Investment Law System'
- Gülce Kormaz (Leuphana University Lüneburg) - How Can the EU's DMA and DSA contribute to the objectives of the UN's Global Digital Compact?
©Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
©Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
©Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
26 October 2024
- Panel 3: Global Structures I
- Amon Elpídio da Silva, Thiago Ferreira Almeida (beide: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais) - From Margins to Center: The Global South's Role in Global Climate Transformations
- Daniel R. Quiroga-Villamarin (Geneva Graduate Institute) - Challenging the Global Herrenhaus: The Unending Quest to Democratize International Relations within, and beyond, the United Nations
- Michał Byczyński (University of Lodz) - Navigating a Multilayered World: The Role of WHO’s Human Rights Indicators in Global Health Governance
- Panel 4: Peacekeeping
- Kirsten Hartmann (Bundeskanzler-Helmut-Schmidt-Foundation) - Into the Blue? – The future(s) of UN peace operations in a changing environment
- Panel 6: The International Court of Justice I
- Gaelle Foucault (Université de Montréal) - The Aim of Modernizing the United Nations at the Summit of the Future: The critical absence of the international court of justice in the discussions
- Hendrik Matthis Drößler (Groningen University) - Keeping Score: The ICJ's overlooked Role in post-judgment Compliance
- Panel 7: The International Court of Justice II
- Maren Solmecke, Johannes Ipsen (beide: Leuphana University Lüneburg) - Advisory Opinions in International Law
- Julia Sochacka (University of Warsaw) - Transformation catalyzed by judicial inaction: the immunity of central banks in the ICJ’s Certain Iranian Assets case
- Wrap-Up & Closing Session
Debate on the US Presidential Election
18 November 2024
The US presidential election on 6 November 2024 is not only of paramount importance for the national interests of the United States. It will also set the course for the (further) development of the international order, for Europe's role in the world, and for issues as important as multilateralism and global security.
Against this background, we were keen to put the results of this election into perspective with the help of recognised experts in the field. To this end, Ms Kerstin Kohlenberg and Prof. Dr Astrid Séville met on the evening of 18 November for an exciting and highly informative dialogue. Ms Kohlenberg is a journalist for DIE ZEIT, former Washington D.C. correspondent, and author of the 2024 book 'Das amerikanische Versprechen' (link). Prof. Dr. Séville is Professor of Political Science, in particular Political Theory (link) at the Leuphana University Lüneburg.
In their debate, the two panellists focused primarily on the domestic reasons for the outcome of this election, addressing the internal divisions in US society and placing the events in the wider context of recent US history. Ms Kohlenberg's insights from her work as a correspondent and from her book served as a starting point for behind-the-scenes insights, allowing the audience to look deep into the soul of American society, its problems, and the reasons for the sometimes widely divergent world views, values, and political positions of the different social classes within the country.
We would like to thank Ms Kohlenberg and Professor Dr. Séville for their participation in this event and for allowing us to be part of their fascinating exchange of ideas. We would also like to thank Ms Klara Westerlage (link), a doctoral student at the Joachim Herz Doctoral School of Law, for introducing us to this event.
Guest Lecture: Martin Kobler on the Crisis of Multilateralism
06 February 2025
On 6 February 2025, Martin Kobler was a guest at Leuphana University Lüneburg. On this occasion he shared his experiences in international politics with the fellows of the Joachim Herz Doctoral School of Law and other interested parties. He focused in particular on the crisis of multilateralism, wars and conflicts, and current challenges to the international order.
Mr Kobler is a former diplomat and ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Egypt, Iraq, and Pakistan. He has also held a number of senior positions at the United Nations, serving as Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for the UN Support Mission in Libya, the UN Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the UN Support Mission in Iraq. He also served as Deputy Head of the UN Mission in Afghanistan.
These profound insights into the processes of high-level international politics, bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, and crisis and conflict management make his assessments of the current global situation unique and invaluable. Understanding this background is essential for doctoral students in the Joachim Herz Doctoral Programme who are involved in global, international, or interstate transformation processes. Reports from international practice and glimpses behind the scenes therefore enable them to develop a better and more substantiated understanding of how solutions can be achieved in this context - or where they may not be feasible due to political constraints.
Mr Kobler dealt with the above topics with a keen sense of political and legal pitfalls, outstanding expertise, and always in an entertaining and humorous way. In doing so, he enabled his audience to gain a better understanding (of the practical aspects) of the international system. We thank him very much.
Climate Justice Think Lab
- Winter term 2024/25
The first workshop of the Climate Justice Think Lab took place on 29-30 October. Fifteen young researchers (mainly PhD students and postdocs) working on climate justice from a legal or political science perspective met at the Leuphana University Lüneburg.
In addition to general discussions and expert talks, the core element of the workshop was the presentation of individual research projects by the participants. The projects presented were at a very early conceptual stage. This allowed the young researchers to test how their ideas and approaches would be received, to identify potential weaknesses, and to engage in a thematic discussion with others before starting the actual writing process.
In subsequent workshops, the research projects will be further developed and finalised by April 2025 to be presented to a wider audience. In addition to enabling young researchers to network and make contacts with others working in the same field, the Climate Justice Think Lab has also allowed for close monitoring of the research projects and support in the publication process.
The first workshop was facilitated by Professor Dr. Louis Kotzé (North-West University, South Africa). In addition, Professor Dr. Radha D’Souza (University of Westminster) gave an insightful presentation on her work with the Court for Intergenerational Climate Crimes (link). Finally, after the screening of the film 'Water for Life' (2023, link), Andrea Pietrafesa (ECCHR) shared her experiences of the (legal) struggle for access to water (especially for indigenous peoples) in Latin America.
Participation in the K3 Climate Communication Congress
25 - 26 September 2024 in Graz/Austria
Participating Fellows: Maren Solmecke, Bengt Johannsen
This year's K3 Congress on Climate Communication (link) took place at the University of Graz on 25 and 26 September 2024. More than 370 scientists, journalists, and activists came together to discuss the current challenges of communicating the climate crisis in science and society.
The two fellows of the Joachim Herz Doctoral School of Law, Bengt Johannsen and Maren Solmecke, took this opportunity to hold a workshop entitled ‘Talking climate law - communication about law in social transformation’, in which 25 participants took part. The workshop began with a 30-minute keynote speech by the two fellows on the legal framework of the climate crisis and the legal levers for climate protection.
This was followed by a lively discussion with the participants on the opportunities and limits of the law in social transformation, especially in the case of the climate crisis. It was emphasised that the difficult enforcement, e.g. in the case of judgements against states/governments, and the time factor limit the efficiency of the law with regard to climate protection. On the other hand, it was positively noted that the law and courts enjoy a high level of social authority and can thus contribute significantly to the legitimisation of climate protection. At the same time, it was questioned whether it is known to what extent successful climate lawsuits have actually led to concrete reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, or whether climate lawsuits have a primarily symbolic function.
Afterwards, the participants analysed an excerpt from the ECHR decision, Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland [GC] - 53600/20 Judgment 9.4.2024, and presented the main statements in the form of an ‘elevator pitch’ (of 30 seconds).
Participation in the LCOY 2024
25 - 27 October 2024 in Berlin
Participating Fellows: Maren Solmecke, Bengt Johannsen
The LCOY, the Local Conference of the Youth (link), took place in Berlin on the last weekend of October. It is the largest German climate conference for young people, bringing together 1,100 participants (aged between 14 and 30) from all over Germany and 350 international speakers to learn, share, and discuss current issues around the climate crisis.
The Joachim Herz Doctoral School of Law was represented with two workshops in the thematically wide-ranging programme, which covered topics from the circular economy to socially responsible climate policy.
Maren Solmecke spoke about the climate crisis as a flight risk in international law. Read her feedback on the event:
The conference is a great opportunity to get in touch with many young people who care about the climate. Many important issues are identified and discussed in the joint work. I am delighted to be able to share my research here and get a lot of new input for my work.
Together with Bengt Johannsen, Maren also offered another workshop on the legal framework of the climate crisis and climate litigation. Bengt's conclusion was:
I find the positive atmosphere and the willingness to take action incredibly motivating. The various workshops and panels contributed to very interesting discussions and approaches for effective climate protection. Maren's and my workshop 'Talking Climate Law' led to a lively exchange and above all to the realisation that law can and should contribute to overcoming the climate crisis.
The second workshop in particular was mainly attended by law students. Maren and Bengt hope that they have been able to share and convey their enthusiasm for their discipline and for topics outside the curriculum of regular legal studies.
Participation in COP29
11 - 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan
Participating Fellows: Stephanie de Sousa Vieira
This year, Joachim Herz Fellow Stephanie Vieira attended COP29, the largest global conference on climate change under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
At the conference, Stephanie participated as a member of the YouthCOP organising committee and as a Party Overflow delegate for Brazil. The Youth COP is a unique initiative that brings together young students from around the world to simulate COP negotiations. Organised by Université Paris Cité (France), Universidade Federal do Ceará (Brazil), and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (UAE), in partnership with YOUNGO/UNFCCC, the Youth COP promotes critical thinking, teamwork, and negotiation skills while tackling the challenges of climate change.
On 11 November, to kick off activities at the Ocean Pavilion, Stephanie co-moderated the panel "Youth Voices Tackling Ocean, Biodiversity and Energy Challenges for a Sustainable Future". This session presented the results of the Youth COP mock negotiations, highlighting the important role of young leaders in shaping actionable solutions for a sustainable future.
This experience was not only an opportunity for Stephanie to contribute to global climate discussions, but also an invaluable addition to her academic journey and research. Engaging with diverse perspectives and participating in high-level dialogue at COP29 reinforces her commitment to exploring the global impact of sustainability-driven regulation and its influence on business practices and environmental agendas, key themes of her doctoral research at the Joachim Herz Doctoral School of Law.
