What legal responsibilities do states and corporations have in addressing climate change? In this lecture Dr Paul Mougeolle presents the findings of his recent PhD research on the emerging concept of Climate Due Diligence (CDD) in international, human rights and comparative law. The lecture explores whether governments and businesses can be held legally accountable for their contribution to climate change and examines the extent to which courts can enforce climate-related obligations.

Drawing on developments in climate litigation across multiple jurisdictions, Mougeolle argues that due diligence has evolved into a transnational legal norm with growing recognition in both public and private law. The presentation addresses key questions surrounding causation, shared responsibility, enforcement and remedies, while also considering the limits of judicial intervention where legislation or scientific consensus remain uncertain. Particular attention will be given to the role of climate accountability in shaping future legal and policy responses to the climate crisis.

In addition to his academic work, Mougeolle is affiliated with the French NGO Notre Affaire à Tous, which has been involved in landmark climate cases against multinational corporations and the French state. The event offers students, researchers and practitioners an opportunity to engage with one of the most rapidly developing fields in contemporary law.