Glen Wright

Hello hello 👋🏻

I’m Glen, a neuro-wobbly yet surprisingly competent human currently transitioning to a post-salary life setup. This work-in-progress website is a sort of online studio space where I gather my bits and bobs into a semi-organised body of work and show-and-tell my silly scribblings and side-projects.

Please get in touch, ask me anything, tell me a secret, offer me money in exchange for my labour, or just say hi :)

I’m a non-lawyer with two law degrees and an almost-finished PhD. During my meandering 15-year career, I drifted from energy policy to ocean conservation and back again, with currents of research, policy analysis, community building, campaigning, science communication and, more recently, data collection, analysis, and visualisation.

When I first learned about climate change (382 ppm), I couldn’t understand why we weren’t panicking and tried to build a career that could contribute to humanity’s course correction. As of 442 ppm, that panic has matured into an ever-present climate anxiety, albeit with a stubborn streak of hope.

I dedicated just over a decade to the development of the UN High Seas Treaty, writing the go-to guide to the negotiations (a Vatican diplomat once told me it was their Bible), slipping some not-formally-peer-reviewed musings into Nature, and contributing a whole bunch of papers and presentations to the effort to put the global ocean on the agenda.

In my most recent “proper job” I updated my expertise on energy, writing and revamping the Renewables Global Status Report and providing data-driven evidence in support of the energy transition. I also got to expand and stress-test my tech credentials, renovating aging data infrastructure, building databases, and overhauling and automating workflows and production processes. In my final chapter, I threw the full range of my skills and compassion into organisational transformation as a leader, facilitator, mentor, and advocate for staff.

Being a professor of Marine Policy & Ocean Governance at Sciences Po has kept my toes in the ocean, and I continue to teach and learn with a passionate curiosity for all things ocean.

Some special interests include:

Being an under-the-radar computer nerd and avid AI amateur: tinkering with Raspberry Pis, building artisanal vibe-coded tools and automations, and fine-tuning large language models on a hand-crafted home server.
A borderline obsession with basketball (I decided to follow a random sport/team for a year just to see what all the fuss was about and fell down a rabbit hole). I am writing a book tentatively titled Hoops: An Uncommon Guide to the Game of Basketball.
Collage, the original cut-and-paste, which may or may not be art.
Poetry (having realised that poems are just word collages and that my near-daily journalling could be shorter and prettier).
Neuroscience, psychology, pharmacology, neuropsychopharmacology.
Being two short steps away from an anticapitalist rant at any given moment. While I keep an open mind (strong opinions, lightly held), I’m increasingly convinced we’ll need some mix of wealth taxes, universal basic income, job guarantees, and post-growth economic policies.

selected publications

2025

Renewables 2025 Global Status Report: Global Overview (2025)

report Co-Author

Abstract:

In 2024, global renewable energy growth was primarily driven by the power sector, where capacity expanded by 741 gigawatts (GW), the largest annual increase ever recorded. Solar photovoltaics (PV) led this growth, supported by rapidly falling costs, large-scale deployments and mature supply chains; however, growth in wind energy installations slowed. Deployment of battery storage hit record levels, driven by falling prices and growing recognition of storage as critical for grid reliability. Despite this momentum, renewable energy growth could not keep pace with rising global electricity demand. Growth in electricity demand was driven by higher temperatures, industrial expansion and rapid electrification in emerging markets. Data centres consumed large amounts of electricity as use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies continued to grow. Renewables were deployed to meet some of this demand, and fossil fuels filled the gap. Global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions increased 0.8% compared to 2023. The year 2024 was the hottest on record, and for the first time the global average temperature exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius ( degreesC) above pre-industrial levels over a full calendar year. Climate impacts intensified worldwide: Los Angeles (United States) faced severe wildfires, Valencia (Spain) experienced extreme flooding, droughts hit Latin America, and flash floods inundated the Caribbean. These events disrupted communities, economies, and energy systems, with vulnerable regions suffering the most. This series of disasters again emphasises that the climate emergency is not a future threat it is already disrupting lives and livelihoods across the planet. Energy security remained in the spotlight in 2024, as geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions and rising economic nationalism influenced national energy strategies. Countries sought to secure supply, reduce external dependencies and control prices. While some countries accelerated their investments in renewables and energy storage to reduce risk and increase resilience, fossil fuel investments also grew, often driven by industrial lobbying and short-term security concerns. As these developments underscore, the energy transition is shaped not only by technical and economic factors, but also by political and governance choices, domestic pressures and competing visions of national interest. Renewable energy is no longer just a climate solution; it is essential infrastructure. In a world of intersecting crises, renewables support sustainable economic development, public health and energy security.

2023

Renewable Energy and Sustainability Report (2023)

report Co-Author

2022

Getting Beyond Yes: Fast-tracking Implementation of the United Nations Agreement for Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (2022)

journal article Co-Author

npj Ocean Sustainability

Kristina M. Gjerde, Nichola A. Clark, Clement Chazot, and 10 more authors

Abstract:

With a new international agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) on the horizon, now is the time to start laying the foundation for successful implementation. This paper provides some initial reflections for supporting rapid, effective, and equitable implementation of the BBNJ Agreement in three priority areas: (1) bringing the Agreement into force; (2) establishing the institutional framework, including financial mechanisms; and (3) developing capacity, science, and technology. With reference to selected examples from other international processes, the paper makes suggestions for encouraging wide ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, establishing a Preparatory Commission (PrepCom), mobilizing resources, and building partnerships to advance science and capacity. The growing impacts of climate change and human activities on the global ocean necessitate urgent action, so we must begin to work on the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement as soon as possible to secure ocean health for the benefit of present and future generations.
Digging deep: critical questions remain in the rush to regulate seabed mining (2022)

report Lead author

Glen Wright, Klaudija Cremers, and Julien Rochette

Abstract:

The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) defines areas of maritime jurisdiction and sets out the rights and obligations of States, thus serving as a “Constitution for the ocean”. Whereas Coastal States have exclusive rights to harvest minerals within their national jurisdiction, mineral resources of the seabed beyond national jurisdiction (“the Area”) are subject to a dedicated international legal framework. Under UNCLOS, seabed minerals in the Area are part of the common heritage of humankind: they cannot be appropriated by any one State and benefits arising from their exploitation must be shared. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is responsible for regulating mining in the international seabed Area and protecting the marine environment. Having operated in relative obscurity since its inception in 1994, the Authority is now firmly in the spotlight, especially since Nauru triggered a rule in the international legal framework in June 2021 that requires adoption of exploitation regulations by 9 July 2023 (the “two-year rule”). At the same time, calls to halt development of seabed mining are growing, including from States, scientists, and the private sector. The ISA is at an inflection point, and States must carefully consider next steps as strong political engagement and action will be essential for finding a way forward. This Issue Brief aims to help States and stakeholders to understand the legal framework and the current state of play, with a particular focus on the two-year rule. It outlines possible pathways to averting deadlock and instituting a precautionary pause on the development of mining activities.

2020

Rights of Nature: Perspectives for Global Ocean Stewardship (2020)

journal article Co-Author

Marine Policy

Harriet Harden-Davies, Fran Humphries, Michelle Maloney, and 3 more authors

Abstract:

The development of a new international legally binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ agreement) is in the final negotiation phase. Legal recognition of rights of nature is emerging worldwide as a fresh imperative to preserve ecological integrity, safeguard human wellbeing, broaden participation in decision-making, and give a voice to nature - but so far exclusively within national jurisdiction. In this paper, we consider how a Rights of Nature perspective might inform the BBNJ agreement. We examine Rights of Nature laws and identify four characteristics relating to: i) rights; ii) connectivity; iii) reciprocity; and iv) representation and implementation. We argue that a Rights of Nature perspective can reinforce existing ocean governance norms, inspire new measures to enhance the effectiveness and equitability of the BBNJ agreement and enable global ocean stewardship in ABNJ.
Fishing in the Twilight Zone: Illuminating governance challenges at the next fisheries frontier (2020)

report Lead author

Glen Wright, Kristina Gjerde, Aria Finkelstein, and 1 more author

2019

High Hopes for the High Seas: beyond the package deal towards an ambitious treaty (2019)

report Lead author

Glen Wright, Klaudija Cremers, Julien Rochette, and 6 more authors

Abstract:

Cognisant of the growing threats to biodiversity in marine areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), States at the United Nations are negotiating a treaty to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of this vast global commons. These negotiations provide a unique and timely opportunity to strengthen the management regime for the global ocean, building on the vision of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The treaty will cover a ‘package deal’ of issues: marine genetic resources (MGRs); area-based manage- ment tools (ABMTs), including marine protected areas (MPAs); environmental impact assessments (EIAs); and capacity building and technology transfer. In order to be effective, ambitious provisions are needed on each of these elements, including by addressing climate change and ensuring the protection of marine ecosystems. A fair and equitable treaty could further support conservation and sustainable use by strengthening existing management frameworks and providing global oversight, developing capacity, and placing science at the heart of decision making.
High-seas fish biodiversity is slipping through the governance net (2019)

journal article Co-Author

Nature Ecology & Evolution

Guillermo Ortuno Crespo, Daniel C. Dunn, Matthew Gianni, and 3 more authors

Abstract:

States at the United Nations have begun negotiating a new treaty to strengthen the legal regime for marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Failure to ensure the full scope of fish biodiversity is covered could result in thousands of species continuing to slip through the cracks of a fragmented global ocean governance framework.
Achieving a Healthy Ocean - Regional Ocean Governance Beyond 2020 (Marine Regions Forum 2019 Conference Report) (2019)

report Co-Author

2018

Protect the neglected half of our blue planet (2018)

oped Lead author

Nature

Glen Wright, Julien Rochette, Kristina M. Gjerde, and 1 more author

Abstract:

At the close of 2017, 14 million UK viewers tuned into the acclaimed second series of David Attenborough’s Blue Planet, making it the year’s most-watched television show. It brought the wonders of the ocean into people’s living rooms and captured the public imagination as never before. Now is the time to capitalize on this enthusiasm, and to advocate for strong, legally binding protections for the high seas - the almost two-thirds of our planet’s ocean that are beyond the control of any one State.
The Long and Winding Road: negotiating a treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (2018)

report Lead author

Glen Wright, Julien Rochette, Kristina Gjerde, and 1 more author

Abstract:

Marine areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) cover nearly half of the Earth’s surface and host a significant portion of its biodiversity. The international community, increasingly aware of the growing threats to ecosystems in ABNJ, has been informally discussing options to conserve and sustainably use its biodiversity for more than a decade. On 24 December 2017, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) decided to convene an intergovernmental conference (IGC) to elaborate an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) for the conservation and sustainable use of the biological diversity of ABNJ. As States continue to navigate the complex issues at stake and start to negotiate the provisions of a new agreement, it is imperative that all stakeholders have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the history of the process, elements under discussion, State positions to date, and the challenges that lie ahead. The Long and Winding Road provides a guide to the discussions for both experienced participants and newcomers to the process.
Academia Obscura: The Hidden Silly Side of Higher Education (2018)

book Author

2017

Risky Business: Enterprise Liability, Corporate Groups and Torts (2017)

journal article Author

Journal of European Tort Law
Partnering for a Sustainable Ocean: The Role of Regional Ocean Governance in Implementing SDG14 (2017)

report Lead author

Glen Wright, Stefanie Schmidt, Julien Rochette, and 5 more authors

Abstract:

This report highlights the relevance of regional ocean governance (ROG) for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the achievement of SDG14, and the transition to ecosystem-based management more generally. The report assesses the roles and mandates of different regional approaches and frameworks, and showcases some pragmatic and practical examples of ROG efforts that may provide useful lessons for the implementation of SDG14. The report also highlights some of the key contributions that regional approaches can make to some of the overarching challenges of the 2030 Agenda, including capacity development, institutional transformation, and sustainable financing.
Ocean Energy: Governance Challenges for Wave and Tidal Stream Technologies (2017)

book Lead author

2016

Establishing a legal research agenda for ocean energy (2016)

journal article Lead author

Marine Policy

Glen Wright, Anne Marie, O Hagan, and 8 more authors

Abstract:

The literature on ocean energy has, to date, largely focussed on technical, environmental, and, increasingly, social and political aspects. Legal and regulatory factors have received far less attention, despite their importance in supporting this new technology and ensuring its sustainable development. Building on the social sciences research agenda developed by the International network for Social Studies of Marine Energy (ISSMER) and published in Energy Policy, a complementary agenda for legal research linked to ocean energy was set out. Key directions for future research structured around the core themes of marine governance: (i) international law; (ii) environmental impacts; (iii) rights and ownership; (iv) consenting processes; and (v) management of marine space and resources were identified.

2015

Marine governance in an industrialised ocean: A case study of the emerging marine renewable energy industry (2015)

journal article Author

Marine Policy

Abstract:

The world’s oceans are currently undergoing an unprecedented period of industrialisation, made possible by advances in technology and driven by our growing need for food, energy and resources. This is placing the oceans are under intense pressure, and the ability of existing marine governance frameworks to sustainably manage the marine environment is increasingly being called into question. Emerging industries are challenging all aspects of these frameworks, raising questions regarding ownership and rights of the sea and its resources, management of environmental impacts, and management of ocean space. This paper uses the emerging marine renewable energy (MRE) industry, particularly in the United Kingdom (UK), as a case study to introduce and explore some of the key challenges. The paper concludes that the challenges are likely to be extensive and argues for development of a comprehensive legal research agenda to advance both MRE technologies and marine governance frameworks.
Rights and ownership in sea country: implications of marine renewable energy for indigenous and local communities (2015)

journal article Co-Author

Marine Policy

Sandy Kerr, John Colton, Kate Johnson, and 1 more author

Abstract:

The adoption of UN Convention of the Law of the Sea in 1982 created optimism for indigenous peoples and marginalised coastal communities that they may (re)gain control of, or improve access to, marine resources. However concerns were also raised that opening the seas to industrial development might create threats for traditional users of the sea. Twenty-ﬁve years later the potential enclosure of large areas of coastal seas to marine renewable energy development is reigniting debates about marine governance, access and control over marine resources. Case studies in Scotland, Canada, New Zealand and Australia reveal a dynamic tension between: an economic development ‘blue growth’ agenda requiring the creation of private rights in the sea; and socio-political drivers which seek to address historic injustices and increase access to natural resources by indigenous and marginalised coastal communities. As yet there is little evidence of this tension being adequately addressed by emerging institutional frameworks for managing marine resources.

2012

Unwired: Options for Increasing Network Demand Management in the National Electricity Market (2012)

report Lead author

Glen Wright and Mark Byrne

2011

Conceptualising and combating transnational environmental crime (2011)

journal article Author

Trends in Organized Crime

Abstract:

To date, transnational environmental crime has been poorly attended to by the transnational organised crime and transnational policing discourse. Academics have focused on individual elements of environmental crime, neglecting a broader theoretical discussion, while national and international institutions have prioritised other forms of organised crime, giving little thought to the nuanced nature of transnational environmental crime and how this should be reflected in policing and countermeasures. This paper attempts to rectify this by conceptualising transnational environmental crime and suggesting ways forward for countermeasure development. The paper will begin by looking at the problem of environmental crime, its value, scope and effects, concluding that the damaging nature of transnational environmental crime demands a greater focus on its policing. The nature of transnational environmental crime will then be discussed by reference to traditional forms of organised crime. It will be argued that, while transnational environmental crime is a form of organised crime, and has some features in common with the traditional organised crimes, such as drug smuggling and people trafficking, it is the substantial differences that should guide the approach to developing countermeasures. The development of effective countermeasures, it is concluded, requires a significant change in policy at every level.