The Climate Change and Environmental Law Center stand at a critical intersection: where the wisdom of tradition meets the urgency of the climate crisis. In a world struggling to balance growth with survival, we offer a different vantage point—from Bhutan, the world’s first carbon-negative country. We are not just an academic research center; we are a laboratory for the future of environmental justice.
The World’s Most Relevant Classroom Standard law programs teach climate policy from a distance. At JSW School of Law, you are situated in the heart of the Himalayas—a region defining the global climate conversation.
Our LLM (Master of Laws) and MLS (Master of Legal Studies) in International Climate Change and Environmental Law offer more than a curriculum; they offer a front-row seat to the intersection of ancient ecological wisdom and modern legal frameworks.
Program Highlights
An immersive programme combining constitutional environmental governance, Gross National Happiness, and cutting-edge climate law research in the Himalayas.
A Living Laboratory
Study in the only country where there is a direct correlation between constitutional trusteeship and environmental health.
GNH in Action
Move beyond GDP. Learn how Gross National Happiness serves as a visionary tool for equitable development and environmental sustainability.
Meet Our Faculty
A distinguished community of scholars and practitioners shaping climate and environmental law through research, teaching, and real-world engagement.
Climate Center
Gain access to the newly established (2024) Center, a nucleus for research and policy innovation in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region.
Two Tracks. One Mission.
Depending on your background, choose the path that fits your career
The LLM (Master of Laws)
Designed specifically for law graduates and practicing attorneys, the Master of Laws (LLM) offers a specialized focus on advanced environmental jurisprudence, international climate treaties, and litigation strategies. This program empowers legal professionals to elevate their expertise, ultimately enabling them to draft impactful policy and litigate for climate justice on the global stage.
The MLS (Master of Legal Studies)
The Master of Legal Studies (MLS) is tailored for non-legal professionals, such as policymakers, environmental scientists, and NGO leaders, rather than practicing attorneys. Its curriculum focuses on the essential regulatory frameworks, compliance standards, and governance structures that drive modern climate action. By mastering these areas, graduates are equipped to bridge the critical gap between science and policy, allowing them to lead organizations effectively within the climate sector.
The Experience
“Where the Himalayas are your Library”
At JSW Law, we believe that four walls cannot contain the complexities of our changing planet.
Field-Based Learning
Engage with local communities facing glacial melt and erratic weather patterns.
Clinics
Undertake experiential learning with two environmental law clinics, one in Chiang Mai Thailand and the other in Bhutan
Research Impact
Contribute to the Center’s ongoing research, directly influencing the environmental governance of the HKH region.
Global Networking
Join a cohort of international scholars and local experts dedicated to solving the climate crisis.
Ready to Lead?
The world doesn’t need more lawyers who know the rules; it needs guardians who know how to change them.
Have questions?
Faculty & Student Stories
Himanshu Ahlawat
Prashant Kumar
Hear from Our Students
Hear from our students on how the LL.M program has helped them understand and promote GNH.
Himanshu
My time as an LLM student at JSW School of Law has been professionally rewarding. The coursework is relevant and challenging, offering a unique perspective on environmental justice and governance. I appreciate the small class sizes, which allow for meaningful discussions rather than just lectures. This program has been a meaningful investment in my education.
Deki Pelzom
The MLS program gave me a solid understanding of international environmental law and climate change in a way that felt both practical and relevant. It pushed me to think critically about how legal frameworks actually respond to real environmental challenges. More than just theory, the program helped me connect law, policy, and climate action in a meaningful way.
Choedup Wangmo
he LLM program in International Climate Change and Environmental Law has shaped my perspective on the role of law in advancing sustainable development, environmental protection, and societal well-being. Learning extended beyond the classroom through visits to various offices and hands-on field experiences, which offered practical exposure to how legal principles and policies are applied in real time. These experiences reinforced the importance of ethical responsibility, environmental awareness, and respect for indigenous knowledge in legal practice. Together, they added to my ability to approach law more comprehensively and to support policies and practices aligned with the values of Gross National Happiness.