Mary Robinson will take up the role with immediate effect to begin engaging with global leaders ahead of the September 2014 Climate Summit in New York.

Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and Founder of the Mary Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice, has been influential in arguing for a rights-based approach to climate change and has joined calls for a UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change. Mrs. Robinson said “our work on climate justice emphasises the urgency of action on climate change from a people’s perspective and I intend to take this approach in my new mandate as Special Envoy for Climate Change.”

The appointment reflects the renewed international focus on the human rights implications of climate change. Steve Trent, EJF’s Executive Director, said “The appointment of Mary Robinson, a prominent human rights advocate and supporter of EJFs goals, is a welcome step. I hope that as we move towards the next stage of international negotiations, Mrs. Robinson will be able to mobilise support for an ethically driven and rights-based approach to the climate crisis”.