Masterclass Global Actors for Peace: collective reflection on the challenges of climate change

From 16 to 20 September, the Faculty of Law of the Université Catholique de Lille played host to the Masterclass Global Actors for Peace: the challenges of climate change, organised by the C3RD. This event, set up by Ioannis Panoussis, Dean of the Faculty and Vice-Rector in charge of International Development, Valentina Volpe, Lecturer in International Public Law and Sonia Le Gouriellec, Lecturer in Political Science, gathered together experts, teachers and students for a week of debates, conferences and artistic workshops aiming to explore climate issues from several angles. Here’s a look back at a week rich in reflection and commitment!

An opening onto the triangulation of science, politics and peace

Jean-Pascal van Ypersele, Past Vice-Chair, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), launched the Masterclass with a keynote address on the essential role of the IPCC in climate governance. He emphasised the urgent need for worldwide action in response to the scientific evidence of climate warming, pointing out that international cooperation is crucial to limiting the impact of climate change. His speech highlited the importance of science in political decision-making for a sustainable future.

Eco-anxiety : a generational phenomenon

The psychological impact of climate change, particularly on Gen Z, was one of the themes covered during the Masterclass. The rise of eco-anxiety, that growing feeling of fear, panic and paralysis over the consequences of the environmental crises, was discussed at length. Experts such as Laura Canali, Doctor in Private and Public Law specialising in environmental law at the University of Aix-Marseille, and Karine Weiss, Professor in Social and Environmental Psychology at the University of Nîmes, have underlined the far-reaching effects of this anxiety on young people. Around 60% of 16-25 year olds claim to be ‘very or extremely worried’ about the future of the planet, according to an international study (Hickman et al. 2021). These talks also touched on the potential legal recognition of eco-anxiety as an injury, at a time when an increasing number of young people are seeking legal action to denounce climate inaction. Through movements such as the climate strikes, youths are increasingly mobilising, asserting their role as an engaged generation.

Arts and debate : creative expression and ecological concerns

The Masterclass gave students the opportunity to express their thoughts on climate change in an innovating and creative way. Students took part in a film debate on the movie ‘Before the Flood’, led by Corinne Lepage, former French Minister of the Environment, to discuss the responsabilities of governments and citizen action. Their will to act and find solutions was at the heart of discussions.

Meanwhile, an art workshop led by WINOC offered participants the chance to explore peace and climate questions through art. This initiative has shown that art can play an essential role in raising awareness and mobilising people around environmental issues. The workshop produced  works which were exhibited at the end of the week, highlighting the link between creativity and critical thinking about the future of the planet.

Ecocide and public policies: the need of a juridical change

The Masterclass was also an occasion to explore the legal implications of climate change. CNRS Research Director Nadia Belaïdi’s conference on the crime of ecocide illustrated the fundamental need for legal recognition of serious damage to ecosystems. This concept of law, which is increasingly being discussed at international level, is seen as a way of protecting environment better in the age of Anthropocene.

The talks also focused on integrating climate issues into public policies. During a round table featuring several experts, participants explored the challenges facing governments in implementing policies adapted to the climate crisis.

International Law and Human Rights in climate action

To conclude the Masterclass, Professor Elisa Morgera’s keynote speech shed light on the transformative role that International Human Rights Law can play in the fight against climate change. In her opinion, protecting Human Rights is intimately linked to preserving the environment. By strengthening international legal frameworks, human rights can become a powerful tool to support action against global warming and its disastrous consequences.

A week of commitment and learning

Throughout the Masterclass, students from de Faculty of Law were able to participate in enriching discussions and exchange ideas with leading experts. Whether through debates, conferences or workshops, this week provided an opportunity to reflect more deeply on the possible solutions to the climate crisis. The different speakers have opened up new perspectives, both legal and political, showing that ecological challenges require a collective and multidimensional response.