Elisa Morgera is a Professor of Global Environmental Law at the University of Strathclyde and the UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights (2024–present). She previously directed the UKRI GCRF One Ocean Hub (2019–2024), a transformative ocean governance initiative spanning 22 institutions globally. Her research focuses on international environmental law, human rights, equity, and oceans governance, with particular attention to Indigenous peoples, small-scale fishers, and climate justice. Education includes a PhD in International Law from the European University Institute and an LLM in Environmental Law from University College London. She also holds an adjunct professorship at the University of Eastern Finland. Research interests integrate environmental law with human rights, equity, and sustainability, addressing topics like benefit-sharing in natural resources, marine biodiversity, and corporate accountability. She has advised UN agencies, governments, and NGOs, and contributed to Scottish human rights frameworks, including recommendations for a legal right to a healthy environment. Key awards include election to the Royal Society of Edinburgh (2022). Her work spans over 180 publications, including articles on climate governance, ocean defenders' rights, and BBNJ Agreements. She leads interdisciplinary projects funded by UKRI, the EU, and global partnerships. Elisa has advised on over 30 international initiatives, including contributions to the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment. Her advisory roles include the Scottish Government’s Human Rights Leadership Task Force (2018–2020), shaping national human rights legislation. Her One Ocean Hub and other collaborations emphasize equity and inclusion in ocean policy, involving communities in decision-making processes.
