Luke James Gibbons (he/him)

How are you using education to build more sustainable and equitable communities? Tell us about your EE work and impact.

I use my educational background to build more sustainable and equitable communities through various initiatives. My Ph.D. research at Trinity College Dublin and Harvard Law School focuses on the effectiveness of directors' duties in the face of climate change risks, contributing to scholarly discourse and influencing policy. As part of my Ph.D., I founded the educational initiative EnviED to educate school students on climate change. As a Company Law Seminar Lecturer at Trinity College Dublin and Lecturer at Maynooth University, I taught with an emphasis on sustainability, shaping the perspectives of future legal professionals. Additionally, in my roles as a Climate Reality Leader, appointed by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, and as an appointee to the President Mary Robinson TikTok Climate Leadership Alliance, I demonstrate my commitment to fostering cross-cultural and professional development with a focus on sustainability.

My research has led to several publications, including "The Cancer of Climate Change Law" and "Striking the ‘Right Balance’ Between Credibility, Effectiveness, and Political Feasibility when Designing Multilateral Environmental Agreements.” I've presented at prestigious conferences such as the Irish Centre for European Law and Environmental Protection Agency Conference at Dublin Castle and the Mary Robinson Climate Conference 2024. Furthermore, I worked as a Congressional Legislative Fellow in the office of U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright on Capitol Hill, assisting with bipartisan legislation to monitor toxic mercury pollution and the UNLEADED Act. My engagement with influential individuals, such as discussing my research with former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and with former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at Harvard, highlights the broader impact of my work. Through these efforts, I assist in advancing environmental education and policy on both national and international levels.

Tell us about your journey to where you are today. What inspired you? What has your path been like?

My journey has been driven by a commitment to addressing climate change and fostering sustainable communities. Growing up in rural Ireland, I witnessed firsthand the impact that thoughtful and inclusive policies can have on communities. This early exposure inspired me to pursue a career where I could contribute to meaningful change.

My academic journey began at Trinity College Dublin, where I earned my LL.B. with First Class Honors and a Gold Medal in Law. This experience honed my skills in legal analysis, reinforcing my interest in using law as a tool for environmental justice. 

Following my undergraduate studies, I graduated with a BCL Masters in Law with Distinction as the Honoré Scholar from the University of Oxford, where I specialized in International Law of the Sea and International Environmental Law. My time at Oxford solidified my passion for addressing global environmental challenges.

As I embarked on my Ph.D. at Trinity College Dublin and Fulbright at Harvard Law School, I found myself delving deeper into the intersection of corporate governance and climate change. This research, supported by the Irish Research Council, allows me to critically examine the responsibilities of company directors in mitigating climate risks. 

In sum, I have been fortunate enough to be educated on climate issues from the world’s leading universities in Ireland, the U.K. and the U.S. I have observed the power of environmental education to change my outlook on the world. My mission is to give back what I have learned to assist others to understand the urgency of addressing climate change.

How can people learn more about or support your work?

You can learn about my research here and you can read some of my publications here.

A Little More About Me

What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders?

Embrace empathy, seek diverse perspectives, and foster collaboration. Strive for sustainability and equity, recognizing the interconnectedness of global communities.

Do you prefer sunrise, sunset, midday, or midnight?

I prefer sunset. The calmness of the evening creates a perfect setting for relaxation.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

The ability to heal. Alleviating physical and emotional pain would be incredibly fulfilling.

How do you unwind?

Either with a movie or a long walk.