Climate Change and the Arctic: Massive Change, Uncertain Impacts
Friday, April 17th, 2020 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Canada-United States Law Institute 44th Annual Conference
- $100 for alumni (CLE)
- $200 for non alumni (CLE)
- $50 general admission (Dinner Thursday, no CLE)
- $0 general registration (students and faculty)
Event Description
Climate Change has continued to exact a toll on worldwide systems, and the effects of human energy consumption continue to grow. This change is currently manifest most acutely in the Arctic, with changes in the Arctic environment far outpacing the rest of the globe. The impact of this change is already significant, with immediate effects for the northernmost reaches of North America, Europe, and Asia, but also knock-on effects across the globe. Regardless of humanities' ability to mitigate the emissions that drive Climate Change, much of the ongoing change in the Arctic is already established and will continue to accelerate. This year's annual conference will delve into the emerging issues in the North American Arctic from the perspective of trans-border impact, initiatives, and need for cooperation. Our expert panelists and distinguished lecturers will cover issues ranging from the concrete change taking place, to emerging national security issues, to economic growth and regulation, to the impact on and role of Indigenous Peoples. Our guests and presenters from government, academia, and industry will review these topics from their national and sector viewpoints and engage the audience in much-needed dialogue on the issues.
Thursday, April 16th, 2020 – Opening & Awards Banquet
Case Western Reserve University School of Law - 11075 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio, 44106
5:00 PM | Opening Reception and Dinner for all Conference Attendees – Law School Rotunda |
6:00 PM | Welcome and Introduction – Law School Rotunda |
6:15 PM | Presentation of the Henry T. King Award and Sidney J. Picker Award |
6:30 PM | Opening Address & Distinguished Lecture |
8:00 PM | Adjourn |
Friday, April 17th, 2020
Cleveland Botanical Garden (across East Blvd. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law) 11030 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio, 44106
8:30 AM | Registration and Breakfast – Cleveland Botanical Gardens, Woodland Hall |
8:45 AM | Welcome and Introduction |
9:00 AM | Panel – Climate Change and the Arctic: Profound Disruption with Worldwide Impact Moderator: The Honourable Jim Peterson, Partner, Fasken LLP, former Minister of Canadian Parliament, Minister of International Trade, Secretary of State (International Financial Institutions) |
10:30 AM | Break |
10:45 AM | Panel – National Security and the Arctic: Emerging Geopolitical Flashpoint Moderator: Peter MacKay PC QC, Partner, Baker & McKenzie LLP, former Canadian Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Minister of National Defence, and Minister of Parliament |
12:15 PM | Break and Lunch |
12:45 PM | Friday Midday Keynote Introduction: The Honorable James Blanchard, Partner, DLA Piper LLP, former Governor of Michigan, United States Ambassador to Canada |
1:15 PM | Break |
1:30 PM | Panel – The Arctic as New Frontier: Tensions in Opportunity and Stewardship Moderator: Prof. Jonathan Adler, Johan Verheij Memorial Professor of Law, and Director, Coleman P. Burke Center for Environmental Law at CWRU School of Law |
3:00 PM | Break |
3:15 PM | Panel – The Future Arctic and Indigenous Peoples: Challenges and Opportunities Moderator: Wayne D. Garnons-Williams, Chair, International Intertribal Trade and Investment Organization, and Director, Council of the Great Lakes Region |
4:45 PM | Closing Remarks |
Event Location
Cleveland Botanical Garden
11030 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106

Sponsored by the Canada-United States Law Institute at Case Western Reserve University School of Law and The University of Western Ontario Faculty of Law