Barton Thompson, Jr.

Barton H. Thompson, Jr. is a leading expert in environmental and natural resources law and policy at Stanford University. As the Robert E. Paradise Professor of Natural Resources Law and Co-Director of the Global Freshwater Initiative, he focuses on institutional reform and economic tools for environmental regulation.

• JD/MBA ’76, BA ’72

Research Interests: His work addresses global water challenges, including freshwater supply vulnerability, transboundary water disputes, and sustainable resource governance. He combines legal analysis with interdisciplinary approaches to human-water systems.

Publications: His recent studies analyze freshwater supply vulnerability and global water crises through meta-analytical frameworks of coupled human-water interactions.

Scientific Awards & Honors

• Special Master appointment in Montana v. Wyoming (U.S. Supreme Court)
• Member of U.S. EPA Science Advisory Board
• Service on boards of environmental organizations and foundations
• Law clerk to Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist