Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment

Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment is a leading academic center dedicated to advancing climate law and policy through rigorous scholarship, public education, and direct engagement with policymakers. Founded in 2008 at the UCLA School of Law, it is named in honor of benefactors Dan A. Emmett and his family. The institute leverages its position within a premier public research university to train future environmental leaders, produce actionable legal research, and shape critical debates on climate change mitigation, environmental justice, and sustainable development.

History and establishment

The Emmett Institute was formally launched in 2008 following a foundational gift from Dan A. Emmett, a prominent real estate developer and philanthropist, and his wife, Marla Cole Emmett. Its creation was a strategic response by UCLA School of Law to the growing urgency of climate issues and the need for specialized legal expertise. The institute built upon the law school's existing strengths in environmental law, notably through its longstanding Environmental Law Center and the pioneering work of faculty like Professor Ann Carlson. From its inception, it was designed to be an interdisciplinary hub, collaborating closely with other parts of UCLA, including the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability and the Anderson School of Management.

Mission and focus areas

The core mission of the Emmett Institute is to develop and promote effective legal and policy solutions to the climate crisis. Its work is organized around several key focus areas: climate change law and governance, including analysis of the Clean Air Act and Paris Agreement implementation; environmental justice and equity, addressing disparities faced by communities like those in Los Angeles County; and the intersection of climate policy with other critical sectors such as renewable energy, transportation, and international trade. The institute emphasizes a solutions-oriented approach, aiming to translate academic research into practical tools for legislators, advocates, and the California Air Resources Board.

Key programs and initiatives

A cornerstone program is the annual "Emmett Institute Climate Change and Business Conference," which convenes leaders from Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and government. The institute also runs the "Frank G. Wells Environmental Law Clinic," where students gain hands-on experience working on real-world cases with organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council. Its "Climate Change and the Law" speaker series features prominent figures such as former Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and EPA administrators. Major research initiatives have produced influential reports on topics ranging from carbon pricing in California to legal strategies for phasing out fossil fuels.

Leadership and notable faculty

The institute has been directed by several distinguished legal scholars. Its founding faculty director was Professor Ann Carlson, a nationally recognized expert on climate regulation. She was succeeded by Professor Cara Horowitz, who co-executive directs the institute alongside Professor William Boyd. The faculty includes influential scholars like Professor Ted Parson, an expert in international environmental law, and Professor Alex Wang, who researches comparative environmental law in the United States and China. The institute also benefits from an advisory board comprising leaders from firms like Latham & Watkins and former officials from the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

Impact and recognition

The Emmett Institute has significantly shaped state and national climate policy. Its scholars frequently testify before the United States Congress and the California State Legislature, and its analysis has informed major litigation, including cases before the Supreme Court of the United States. The institute's work on vehicle emissions standards and renewable portfolio standards has provided a blueprint for regulators. It is consistently ranked among the top environmental law programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, and its graduates hold key positions in agencies like the United States Department of Justice, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and global NGOs such as the World Resources Institute.

Category:Environmental organizations based in California Category:University of California, Los Angeles Category:Climate change organizations