Elsa Barron

Elsa Barron is a PhD student in Peace Studies and Political Science at the University of Notre Dame. Her research explores policy frameworks for justice and reconciliation for communities experiencing climate-induced loss and damage. Elsa’s work is rooted in climate justice movements in the Pacific and the leadership of Pacific Island Nations in international climate diplomacy.

Elsa is also the co-director of the Christian Climate Observers Program, which is a joint initiative of over a dozen faith-based NGOs to bring around 40 climate advocates to the UN climate negotiations (COP) for the first time each year. Her faith and climate advocacy has been featured in CBS News, Rolling Stone, and the Christian Science Monitor, among others.

Elsa works on climate justice and positive peace building efforts as a Program Associate with the Institute for Climate and Peace based in Hawaii. She has previously worked at the Center for Climate and Security, Faith in Place, the Payne Institute for Public Policy, the Wilson Center Environmental Change andSecurity Program, and the NGO Committee on Financing for Development.

Elsa is a Richard and Peggy Notebaert Premier Fellow and the recipient of the 2025-2026 Steven Pepe Fellowship. She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology with a supplementary major in peace studies and a minor in sustainability from the University of Notre Dame.