Over the course of three days, the Environmental Law Collaborative (ELC) convened in Briarcliff Manor, New York to discuss ýBlue Sky Thinking in a Red Sky World.ý The ELC comprises a rotating group of law professors who assemble every other year to think, discuss, and write on an important and intriguing theme in environmental law. This year, the group focused on how to think optimistically and proactively about environmental protection when so much is going so quickly in the opposite direction.
Representing Climate Wreckers
In her article, Representing Climate Wreckers, published in the NYU Environmental Law Journal (2025), Pace | Haub Environmental Law Professor Camila Bustos examines the ethical responsibilities of attorneys representing fossil fuel companiesýtermed "climate wreckers"ýand argues for a reevaluation of professional conduct standards in light of the climate crisis. She contends that the legal profession must adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, suggesting that lawyers should reconsider representing clients whose activities significantly contribute to environmental degradation.
ýTackling climate change demands a regime shift where lawyers who hinder the transition away from fossil fuels no longer enjoy the social license to do so,ý she writes. ýThese accountability efforts build on ýmoral remaindersý to create reluctance to certain types of representation and ýensure that lawyers stay within permissible limitationsý in the course of their work.ý