The Oxford Sustainable Law Programme, based at the University of Oxford, is a joint initiative of the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment and the Faculty of Law. We draw on wide-ranging expertise from across the University of Oxford and collaborate intensively with our international partners in the academic, public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
Launched in 2021, the Programme is a world-leading centre operating at the intersection of law and sustainability. Our work is multidisciplinary, rigorous, and informed by practice. We are impact-oriented thinkers who see the law as a tool to catalyse the sustainability transition.
Course: Navigating Legal Risks and Opportunities of Climate Change
24 - 26 September 2025 | In-person | Oxford, UK
This 3-day course explores legal risks and opportunities that are emerging as the law changes in the context of climate change.
Delivered by eminent Oxford faculty and practitioners, the course is grounded in our world-leading research. The course will explore key legal and regulatory developments in the context of climate change and relevant scientific, political, and economic developments, and the practical implications of these for firms and the financial system as a whole.
Our work
Our focus is on actionable research, impactful education, and multi-sectoral engagement that translates insight into practical application. Learn more about what we do.
Latest news
Legal experts and economists sound the alarm over the EU’s sustainability rules rollback
The European Commission has recently come under fire for attempting to weaken its laws on corporate accountability. Dr Thom Wetzer commented: “The European Union is proving itself not to be a reliable regulator because they’re flip-flopping in the face of changing political winds.”
German Court Tosses Farmer's Case But Climate Groups Cheer 'Remarkable Precedent'
A Peruvian farmer’s case against German multinational energy company RWE has been dismissed in court. Despite the setback, Dr Thom Wetzer stated in Common Dreams that the case had set "a remarkable precedent" that could enable future litigations.
One lawsuit just helped melt the fossil fuel industry’s defence against being held accountable for climate change
Ben Franta explains how a new court case has confirmed the principle that private companies can be held liable for climate damage.
Events
London Climate Action Week 2025
We are looking forward to London Climate Action Week and hope to see many of you there. Here's a sample of events where you can hear from Smith School researchers.
Navigating legal risks and opportunities of climate change
Join course co-directors, Professor Thom Wetzer and Dr Rupert Stuart-Smith, who will provide an introduction to the course and an overview of what to expect when joining us at the University of Oxford in September 2025
Climate futures | Seminar series
This ground-breaking seminar series will flip the script on climate discourse, imagining a future where we overcome climate challenges and try to answer “what happens next” with current research and creative thinking.