Increased global focus on climate change has resulted in new laws, regulations, compliance concerns, lawsuits, and costs. But with these challenges have also come opportunities, such as Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI) projects, carbon trading schemes, and the development of new markets for low carbon products and services. Climate change regulation requires businesses to face a whole new range of important strategic choices. Staying on top of the shifting risks and benefits requires advisers who are familiar with requirements from various authorities, have the insight to influence and shape policy, and have the resources and experience to provide effective and comprehensive advice.

Mayer Brown's Global Climate Change group assists with policymaking and government relations as well as litigation services for a full range of businesses. At the same time, we have a thorough understanding of the broader regulatory context in which industries operate. In Europe, where climate-related legal requirements are further developed, our lawyers have been at the forefront of developing policy on the legal aspects of climate change, and have assisted clients with emissions trading, climate change levy agreements, funding of CDM and JI projects, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), energy efficiency issues, and compliance with greenhouse gases (GHG) permits across the European Union.

Our ability to offer climate change advice is especially strong because of our presence in Asia. We have a depth of resources in China and other increasingly important markets, where the ability to lead innovative transactions with experienced teams has never been more critical.

Practice at a Glance

• Lawyers throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia concentrate on climate change issues.
   
• Mayer Brown lawyers participated in the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol negotiating process.
   
• We are involved in developing a post-Kyoto agreement architecture following the Bali negotiations.
  
  
• We advise clients across a wide range of industry sectors including:  Automotive, Chemicals & Manufacturing, Developers, Financial Services, Governments, Hydroelectric, Oil, Paper, Power Plants, Real Estate, Renewable Energy, and Waste/Landfill.