Spring 2025
HLS 2294
Instructors
Schedule
January 27 - April 25
Monday, 3:45pm - 5:45pm

Environmental Disasters and Displacement in the US

Description

This reading group will explore how environmental disasters drive migration and displacement in the United States, and how federal disaster law and policy can mitigate or exacerbate the effects of those disasters on communities. We will discuss both sudden and slow-onset disasters that are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, including hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, permafrost thaw, and coastal erosion. Readings will introduce students to federal disaster law, frameworks for just response and recovery, and draw on survivor narratives to illustrate the disparate impacts of both disasters and disaster preparedness and response programs. We will also discuss possible solutions to make federal disaster law and policy more equitable and effective.

Department
Law School
School
Harvard Law School
Course Level
Graduate
Interest Area
Law & Policy
Credits
1
Cross Registration
Available