Averting Climate Chaos: How Law Can Chart a Path to a Better Future - Laura Clarke OBE

Averting Climate Chaos: How Law Can Chart a Path to a Better Future - Laura Clarke OBE In our long-running examination of the planet’s greatest challenge, we welcome a former diplomat and High Commissioner who was closely involved in sustainability while serving in the Pacific region. Laura joined ClientEarth, an international legal environmental charity, as CEO in September 2022, that successfully uses the law as a means to create a better environment. Since joining ClientEarth, Laura has overseen the launch of several high-profile cases; against Shell for mismanaging climate risk, against Cargill for not addressing its links to deforestation and human rights abuses in the Amazon, and against the UK government over its inadequate strategy to tackle climate change. A seasoned diplomat, Laura represents ClientEarth at major intergovernmental meetings around the world, advocating for the power of the law in bringing about systemic change to protect all life on Earth. Prior to joining ClientEarth, Laura was British High Commissioner to New Zealand and Governor of the Pitcairn Islands from 2018-2022, and High Commissioner to Samoa from 2018-2020. As High Commissioner, she worked to strengthen the UK - New Zealand relationship, including through the negotiation of a standard-setting Free Trade Agreement, and climate co-operation with New Zealand and the South Pacific during the UK's COP26 Presidency. In her role as Governor of the Pitcairn Islands she was responsible for the governance and sustainability of the Islands, including efforts to tackle plastic pollution, and maximise the benefits of Pitcairn's Marine Protected Area.