Professor of Law, University of Auckland, New Zealand
Klaus’s research focuses on the theoretical and international dimensions of environmental law. He is particularly interested in the ethics of sustainability with respect to climate change, biodiversity, justice, human rights and global governance.
Klaus has been the Director of the New Zealand Centre for Environmental Law since its establishment in 1999. As Chair of the Ethics Specialist Group of the IUCN (The World Conservation Union) Commission on Environmental Law, he currently coordinates a number of international research collaborations in the area of sustainability governance and law. Klaus also has an active role in projects and annual conferences of the Global Ecological Integrity Group, a network of 250 environmental scholars that explores sustainability approaches to public policy, law and governance. As member of the Board of Directors of Phase2 (Sustainable Aotearoa New Zealand) he has recently co-authored a ‘Think Tank’ report on New Zealand’s prospects for becoming a sustainable nation.
Klaus has authored or edited fifteen books and numerous journal articles. He has recently completed a book entitled The Principle of Sustainability. Klaus is a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Human Rights and the Environment.