Expertise

Climate Change Policy, Transition Planning, & Strategy Development

Mark Baker-Jones

(Ngāpuhi, Ngāruahine)

Kaitohutohu Panoni Āhuarangi | Climate Advisor


Mark Baker-Jones is a preeminent figure in the realm 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.

  • Education

    Auckland University


    Bachelor of Property / Bachelor of Laws (Property and Law)

    1997-2001

  • Publications

    Small States & International Dispute Resolution (Policy Making & Legislative Drafting – Climate Change/ Environment)

    Mark Baker-Jones

    2021

    Wellington Univentures

    VIEW


    Governance and climate change risk

    Ian Edwards, Donovan Burton & Mark Baker-Jones

    2017

    Governance Directions - Risk management

    VIEW


    Climate Change Risk and the Private Sector: Adaptation & Management

    Ian Edwards, Donovan Burton & Mark Baker-Jones

    2016

    Whydu and Climate Planning report

    VIEW


    Why ‘thinking like a lawyer’ might mean less time litigating and more time adapting

    Mark Baker-Jones & Emilie Barton

    2016

    Australian Environmental Law Digest

    VIEW


    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

    VIEW


    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

    VIEW


    Climate Change Adaptation, Planning and the Law

    Mark Baker-Jones

    2015

    DLA Piper

    VIEW


    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

    VIEW


    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

    VIEW


    A Changing Climate Brings a Change in Legal Risk

    Mark Baker-Jones

    2014

    Real Estate Gazette, no. 14, pp. 8 -11

    VIEW


    Planning Reform and Policy Response to Climate Change

    Mark Baker-Jones

    2014

    Insurance Review DLA Piper, pp. 29 - 30

    VIEW


    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

    VIEW


    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

    VIEW


    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

    VIEW


    Climate change adaptation in the boardroom

    Gareth Johnston, Donovan Burton & Mark Baker-Jones

    2012

    NCCARF Research Paper

    VIEW

  • Testimonials

    “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

    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


01 Professional Journey

Climate Change Policy Advisor

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.


Legal Expertise

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.


02 Key Achievements

Project Leadership

Successfully led over climate-related projects in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, demonstrating a global perspective and ability to navigate diverse regulatory environments.


Policy Development

Instrumental in the development of Aotearoa New Zealand's climate change legislative framework, contributing to a significant policy shift in the region.


Cross-disciplinary Approach

Blends legal, policy, and strategic skills to provide comprehensive solutions to complex climate challenges.



03 Current Focus

 Advisory Services

Offers expert advisory services in climate change policy, transitions risk management, and strategic planning for businesses and governments.


Capacity Building

Engaged in developing governance training and workshops aimed at enhancing climate resilience and sustainability practices.


Thought Leadership

Continues to contribute to the discourse on climate change through publications, speaking engagements, and active participation in international forums.

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