Mark Baker-Jones is a preeminent figure in the field of climate change policy and transition planning. With a career spanning over two decades, he has emerged as a leading authority in integrating climate change considerations into policy and business frameworks. Mark's expertise is particularly focused on regulatory and policy risk associated with climate change and has made significant contributions to shaping national climate policy and advising on climate-related legal risks.
Mark’s expertise combines legal, policy, and strategic skills. He has worked extensively as a climate change policy advisor to governments in Australia and was a political advisor to Aotearoa New Zealand’s Climate Change Minister during the development of NZ’s climate change legislative regime. His work has been instrumental in providing comprehensive solutions for climate integration and resilience.
In addition to his advisory roles, Mark has held senior legal roles in some of the world’s most prestigious law firms and has published widely on climate legal risk. He continues to hold positions with universities in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand in climate change law.
Mark’s extensive experience and deep understanding of climate change policy and transition planning have positioned him as a trusted advisor and thought leader in the field. His work has not only shaped national climate policies but also paved the way for innovative solutions to climate integration and resilience. As Mark continues his journey, he remains steadfast in his commitment to creating a sustainable future, inspiring others with his vision and dedication.
BProp & LLB (Property and Law)
University of Auckland
Certificate in Sustainable Development Goals and the Law
University of Cambridge
Certificate Level 3, Te Reo Māori
Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi
New Zealand Certificate in Māori Business Management (Level 3)
Te Taura Here Tohu Matauranga o Aotearoa
Certificate in Finance and Corporate Governance
Australian Institute of Company Directors
Fellow, Strategic Risk Management
UK Institute of Strategic Risk Management
Lecturer in Climate Change Law
University of Auckland
Visiting Research Fellow - Climate Adaptation
QUT (Queensland University of Technology)
Guest Lecturer
University of Queensland
Small States & International Dispute Resolution (Policy Making & Legislative Drafting – Climate Change/ Environment)
Mark Baker-Jones
2021
Wellington Univentures
Governance and climate change risk
Ian Edwards, Donovan Burton & Mark Baker-Jones
2017
Governance Directions - Risk management
Climate Change Risk and the Private Sector: Adaptation & Management
Ian Edwards, Donovan Burton & Mark Baker-Jones
2016
Whydu and Climate Planning report
Why ‘thinking like a lawyer’ might mean less time litigating and more time adapting
Mark Baker-Jones & Emilie Barton
2016
Australian Environmental Law Digest
Legal Risk. A guide to legal decision making in the face of climate change for coastal decision makers
Justine Bell-James, Mark Baker-Jones & Emilie Barton
2016
CoastAdapt, NCCARF
Climate change and the fiduciary duties of pension fund trustees – lessons from the Australian law
Sarah Barker, Mark Baker-Jones, Emilie Barton & Emma Fagan
2016
Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 211-244
Climate Change Adaptation, Planning and the Law
Mark Baker-Jones
2015
DLA Piper
A big step towards certainty about climate change risk for Queensland councils and developers
Mark Baker-Jones, Danyelle Kelson & Eleanor Sondergeld
2015
National Environmental Law Association
Teitiota v The Chief Executive Of Ministry Of Business, Innovation And Employment- A Person Displaced
Mark Baker-Jones & Melanie Baker-Jones
2015
QUT Law Review, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 102-121
A Changing Climate Brings a Change in Legal Risk
Mark Baker-Jones
2014
Real Estate Gazette, no. 14, pp. 8 -11
Planning Reform and Policy Response to Climate Change
Mark Baker-Jones
2014
Insurance Review DLA Piper, pp. 29 - 30
Retreat from retreat – the backward evolution of sea-level rise policy in Australia, and the implications for local government
Justine Bell & Mark Baker-Jones
2014
19 LGLJ 23
Sea level rise impact on coastal development must now be taken into account
Mark Baker-Jones
2013
National Environmental Law Review Issue 2013:2, p 38
Conventionalising Climate Change by Decree
Mark Baker-Jones
2013
DLA Piper Case Note
VIEW
Climate change adaptation: Guided by the Law
Mark Baker-Jones, Donovan Burton, Dr Justine Bell & Dr Denis Chang Seng
2013
Report for DLA Piper
Climate change adaptation in the boardroom
Gareth Johnston, Donovan Burton & Mark Baker-Jones
2012
NCCARF Research Paper
“By facilitating engagement with institutions in the private sector, you have made a significant contribution towards achievement of the aims of the Queensland Government in addressing the impacts of climate change.”
Hon Dr Steven Miles MP, Premier, of Queensland
Queensland Government
“I want to take this opportunity to recognise the great contribution you have made to the advancement of positive and real responses to climate change, particularly your expertise in the area of climate legal risk. Legal liability for decisions made about climate change is a major concern for government decision makers at all levels. Your guidance as a leading authority in this area has been invaluable.”
Karen Touchie
Director of Climate Change Policy, Victorian Government
"You have been instrumental in the development of Aotearoa New Zealand’s climate change policy, including as kaitiaki te manaia (guardian) of the Zero Carbon Bill."
Hon James Shaw
Climate Change and Environment Minister, New Zealand
“Mark has provided some exceptional outcomes for the business.”
Ian Baldwin
Planning and Development Manager, Boral Property Group
“Whether it has been representing us in litigation or providing ongoing advice, Mark has always kept our interests … at the forefront of his mind and consistently achieves timely and economic commercial outcomes. Mark has been, and will continue to be, a valuable part of our project development team.”
Ian Armstrong
Director, Perron Developments Pty Ltd
"Mark talks in plain terms on a complex subject. He has an outstanding ability to bring together a range of divergent and controversial views, to analyse the issues, and to draw out the key points. Mark’s authority and gravitas is compelling."
Dr Anna Huggins
Co-Director Internal Law and Global Governance Research Program, QUT
"Mark brought a high level of integrity and forward thinking …"
Dr Fred Haynes Ph.D
Saanich Councilor, BC, Canada
Mark has made significant contributions as a climate change policy advisor. His work in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly as a political advisor to Aotearoa New Zealand’s Climate Change Minister during the development of the nation's climate change legislative regime, underscores his pivotal role in shaping climate policy.
With a deep understanding of the dimensions of climate change, Mark has advised various governments and organisations on climate-related legal risks and strategies. His expertise in disaster and risk law, as evidenced by his advisory roles and numerous climate-related projects, positions him at the forefront of this evolving field.
Successfully led over climate-related projects in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, demonstrating a global perspective and ability to navigate diverse regulatory environments.
Instrumental in the development of Aotearoa New Zealand's climate change legislative framework, contributing to a significant policy shift in the region.
Blends legal, policy, and strategic skills to provide comprehensive solutions to complex climate challenges.
Offers expert advisory services in climate change policy, transitions risk management, and strategic planning for businesses and governments.
Engaged in developing governance training and workshops aimed at enhancing climate resilience and sustainability practices.
Continues to contribute to the discourse on climate change through publications, speaking engagements, and active participation in international forums.
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Home page photo credit – Richard Douglas, Matauri Bay looking toward Cape Brett, February 2021
About page photo credit – Hannah Wright, Boardwalk towards Tongariro National Park, October 2019