Veera Pekkarinen

Veera Pekkarinen is a doctoral researcher in climate law at the UEF Law School. Her research focuses on global legal and regulatory framework for methane, which is a short-lived climate pollutant and the second most important contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide. The research focuses particularly on examining opportunities to strengthen action on methane in developing countries and special attention is also given to informal initiatives targeting methane. Her research is a part of the European Research Council funded project “ClimaSlow: Slowing Down Climate Change: Combining Climate Law and Climate Science to Identify the Best Options to Reduce Emissions of Short-lived Climate Pollutants in Developing Countries”. Her other research interests include climate change loss and damage.

Pekkarinen also coordinates the UEF—UN Environment Course on MEAs, which is a high-profile two-week Course focusing on international environmental law-making and diplomacy. The Course is intended for experienced government officials engaged in international environmental negotiations and it is organized annually in cooperation with the UEF and United Nations Environment Programme.