Chesapeake Rising: Innovative Law and Policy Solutions for Climate Adaptation in Coastal Communities

Coastal communities in the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly those historically underserved and overburdened, are already experiencing the impacts of climate change. Sea level rise and more frequent and severe storms pose significant threats to coastal areas, making adaptation not just necessary but essential. Science, law, and policy are vital to navigating this shifting landscape.

Join us for a symposium April 2 in Washington, DC

The Chesapeake Rising: Innovative Law and Policy Solutions for Climate Adaptation in Coastal Communities symposium provides a unique opportunity for upper-level law students and early-career lawyers to present and publish their legal scholarship in the Sea Grant Law & Policy Journal.

The symposium will explore key legal and policy considerations that affect climate adaptation strategies. It aims to foster an exchange of ideas on how coastal communities can respond to climate change, with a focus on amplifying new voices to enrich the conversation and create networking opportunities for emerging professionals.

Apply to Present at the Symposium and Write a Law Review Article About Your Research

Are you an upper-level law student or recent graduate? Apply to write a law review article and present your work on climate resilience for coastal communities.

You'll have the chance to:

• Be published in the Sea Grant Law & Policy Journal
• Present your research at the symposium
• Network with professionals and peers
• Receive feedback from experts to refine your research

Applications are due January 9, 2025.

For details on how to apply, visit our submission guidelines page, and don't miss our Q&A webinar on December 19. Register here.

Symposium Details

Date: April 2, 2025

Location: 500 First St NW, Washington, DC, 20001

Registration fee: TBD

How to register: Registration opens in January. Check back soon!

This event features a keynote speaker alongside eight students or recent graduates selected to present their research ideas. In the afternoon, rotating small group sessions will allow attendees to engage in meaningful discussions pertaining to potential legal ramifications around climate adaptation strategies. Full program coming soon!

Register to Attend the Symposium

We invite law students, lawyers, scientists, and anyone interested in the intersection of law and climate adaptation to join this discussion. Your insights and expertise are vital to tackling the complex challenges posed by climate change. Together, let’s work on innovative solutions that will help coastal communities adapt to the changing climate.

Registration opens in January. Check back soon!

Chesapeake Rising: Innovative Law and Policy Solutions for Climate Adaptation in Coastal Communities is hosted by Maryland Sea Grant in collaboration with the National Sea Grant Law Center, the Environmental Law Institute, and the Georgetown Climate Center.