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University of York law students lead global day of action on air pollution

University of York law students lead global day of action on air pollution

Posted on 7 October 2019

Thousands of students are expected to take part in a global day of action led by York Law School to promote climate justice on air pollution.

Ecological activists campaigning against air pollution

More than 30 university law clinics around the world have signed up to take part in the event on 18 November, with many more expected to join.

Organisers are calling on student clinics - which provide free legal advice to the public - to host events that focus on tackling air pollution. Clinics are being encouraged to organise talks with other faculties about issues surrounding air pollution as well as hosting sessions in local communities to explain people’s legal rights to clean air.

Global problem

Stephen Levett, Director of Professional Practice at York Law School, said: “We felt quite strongly that the symbolism of law clinics coming together on a single issue on a single day was what was most important. We chose the issue of air pollution as it’s both a local and global problem and a subject that unites so many countries around the world.”

Organisers are also asking law clinics to sign a pledge recognising the need to make climate justice an explicit part of their overall social justice mission.

Events planned include a conference at the University of York on 18 November bringing together environmental lawyers, local government officials, scientists, academics and students to discuss the issue of air pollution.

Wider participation

York Law School in collaboration with King's College London, proposed the day of action at an International Clinical Legal Education conference earlier this year. University law clinics including those from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa, the University of South Australia, and The Nigerian Law School have signed up to the event which organisers hope will become an annual day of action.

York Law School is also working with local partners in the city to encourage wider participation in the events hosted both at the university and in local communities.