Environmental Law and Policy Summit brought Future Challenges into Focus
The 31st Annual Environmental Law and Policy Summit brought together students, scholars and practitioners for three days of conversations exploring this year’s theme, “Frontlines of the Future.” Entirely student-organized, the Summit continues to serve as a national platform for examining the most pressing challenges in environmental law and policy.
This year’s program featured a dynamic lineup of panels and keynote speakers addressing climate change, sustainability and the evolving role of legal advocacy. Among the highlights was Tulane alumna Franziska Trautmann, CEO and co-founder of Glass Half Full and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, who shared how she transformed a backyard glass recycling project into a growing business focused on coastal restoration in Louisiana. Dr. Virginia Burkett, Chief Scientist Emeritus at the U.S. Geological Survey, delivered another keynote, offering insights on climate risks and the strategies communities can use to adapt to a changing environment.
The Summit also featured a special event honoring Professor Oliver Houck, a towering figure in environmental law at Tulane and beyond. Houck received the first-ever Summit Stewardship Award, a piece crafted by a Louisiana artist using recycled materials, in recognition of his decades of impact in environmental litigation, policy and education. Joined by Professors Rebecca Bratspies and Mark Davis, Houck reflected on his career in a lively and wide-ranging conversation, as students, colleagues and alumni gathered to celebrate his legacy.
By creating space for thoughtful dialogue between students and leading voices in law and science, the Summit continues to highlight Tulane Law’s leadership in environmental law and its commitment to preparing students to navigate an increasingly complex and urgent landscape.
