Tell us about your work

I teach about the interrelations between private law and many contemporary developments and challenges, such as globalization, the climate crisis, and upcoming technologies. My research focuses mostly on sustainability: how does private law contribute to environmental crises and how can it contribute to solutions? The last couple of years, I have written mostly about climate litigation and the rights of nature.

What is your motivation?

 A friend from high school once pointed me to the following line from a German song, which pretty much describes my motivation: Es ist nicht Deine Schuld, dass die Welt ist, wie sie ist/ Es wär nur Deine Schuld, wenn sie so bleibt.

Your vision

Firstly, I believe in justice, the rule of law and harmony with nature. I believe in life. Secondly, I believe that we can choose to contribute positively or negatively and that all of our contributions matter, no matter how small. Thirdly, it is my conviction that, once you have seen someone’s vulnerability, you can feel love for that person. Fourthly, we are alive only for a very short period, hence we must try to enjoy every minute – it is unwise to get upset because of mundane things like having to do the dishes. Lastly, we live now. We do not start living once we have achieved a certain thing. Life is now, as you read this, you live, do you feel it?

Supporting factors

My close ones, my privileged position in the world and in our society and my wonderful colleagues.