Brad Adams is a distinguished American lawyer and the founder and executive director of Climate Rights International, an organization dedicated to addressing the intersection of climate change and human rights. His career began with a strong foundation in legal aid, having established the East Bay Community Law Center, where he focused on housing, homelessness, and public benefits. This initiative showcased his commitment to social justice and laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in human rights advocacy.

From 2002 to 2022, Adams served as the executive director of the Asia Division at Human Rights Watch, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing investigations and advocacy efforts across twenty countries. His leadership was instrumental in addressing critical issues such as the protection of civil society, freedom of expression, and the rights of women and children. Adams’s work not only highlighted human rights abuses but also contributed to significant policy changes and increased awareness on a global scale.

Prior to his tenure at Human Rights Watch, Adams spent five years in Cambodia as the senior lawyer for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. His efforts in this role included conducting human rights investigations and advising the Cambodian parliament on legislative reforms, demonstrating his expertise in international human rights law.

In 2022, Adams founded Climate Rights International, where he continues to advocate for the rights of vulnerable communities affected by climate change. His extensive experience and dedication to human rights make him a leading figure in the fight for environmental justice, ensuring that the voices of those most impacted are heard and prioritized in climate discussions.