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The problems posed by climate change to the world at large are serious. Global organisations, such as the World Wildlife Fund for Nature and the United Nations, regularly report on the consequences of climate change. These include the increased frequency of wildfires, droughts and storms, which will destroy habitats and seriously damage the communities and livelihoods of many. Climate change and rising global temperatures can no longer be brushed off as longer-term issues, for future generations to be worried about, but instead are very present problems that need efficient action to mitigate their consequences.
Reducing the adverse impacts of climate change cannot be the sole responsibility of individuals “doing their bit”, but needs a concerted effort from governments acting multilaterally and businesses, large and small. We can only mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change and its consequences if we are ambitious, collaborative, and innovative. Given the impact of climate change and the scale and cost of the solutions needed, the focus will inevitably turn to those with the resources and ability to act.
Gowling WLG is an international sector-focussed law firm, advising businesses and organisations across the globe in a variety of sectors, such as retail and leisure, real estate, automotive, life sciences, and infrastructure. Climate change issues undeniably affect our clients, regardless of the sector or jurisdiction they operate in, but such challenges also present opportunities for our clients as new markets open up as a result, for example, in natural capital.
We believe that law and technology are two critical tools which can be used to mitigate and adapt to climate change. We therefore want to hear your ideas responding to the question:
With reference to one of our sectors, which will have the greatest benefit to climate change mitigation and adaptation: regulation or technology?
What can you win?
The essay that captures our imagination the most will win a week’s paid internship (with accommodation if required) in our London office working with our team of lawyers in both the sustainability and technology groups.
During your week’s internship, you’ll meet clients, undertake research, draft advice and work closely with us in order to find out what it’s like advising clients on cutting edge climate change and sustainable business and development issues. You’ll gain a great understanding of what life as a lawyer at Gowling WLG is like.
We will also host an Open Day for some of our runners-up. We’ll invite you to our London office where you will get to meet some of our lawyers who advise on climate and sustainability projects and cutting edge technology solutions; and you’ll meet some of our trainee solicitors and hear from our Graduate Recruitment team.
Who can apply?
You can apply if:
• You are studying at University; or
• You’re a graduate
It doesn’t matter if you have a law, or non-law background.
We are imposing a word limit of 750 words, and the deadline for entries is the 21st September 2023 at 6pm.
Please submit your entries in to ClimateEssay@uk.gowlingwlg.com.
We would like to receive your essays in .pdf format and when submitting your entry, please don’t forget to include your name, and where you’re studying (or studied) and what subject.
Please also include all footnotes and references, and don’t worry – those don’t count towards the word limit. If you have any questions about the competition, please contact:
ben.stansfield@gowlingwlg.com, or cassie.blackburn@gowlingwlg.com Good luck!
