The University of Cambridge community has been paying its respects to a leading climate change law academic who died aged 38.  

Dr Emily Webster was an assistant professor in environmental law at the Department of Land Economy. 

She has been described as “a deeply insightful scholar and researcher” and “a wonderful person to work with”. 

Her loss is considered “a terrible blow” for the future of environmental law.  

Professor David Howarth, head of the Department of Land Economy, said: “Emily was a dedicated and caring teacher of both undergraduate and postgraduate students.” 

He added: “Above all Emily was a wonderful person to work with - razor sharp in thought but at the same time caring and kind.  

“Her loss is a terrible blow not only to her family, friends, students and colleagues but also to the future of environmental law.  

“We miss her.” 

Dr Webster obtained both her LLM and PhD at King’s College London.  

She carried her interest in climate change and the law into her first position at Cambridge as a post-doctoral research associate at the Centre for Climate Engagement at Hughes Hall. 

Dr Webster joined Queens’ College in 2022 as an Official Fellow and law lecturer.  

Its website describes her dedication to the college community as “admirable” and that “she will be missed by many” across the university. 

During Dr Webster’s academic career, she co-produced two edited books and many peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters on environmental law and policy.  

In May, she was appointed to an Assistant Professorship in Environmental Law. 

An inquest into Dr Webster’s death opened today (Thursday) at Lawrence Court, in Huntingdon. She died in Cambridge on October 7.   

Elizabeth Gray, area coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, adjourned the inquest for a date to be confirmed.  

  • Anyone who wishes to pay their respects can sign Dr Webster’s online book of condolence at www.remembr.com/en/emily.webster  
  • Samaritans are available day or night, 365 days a year. Call free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org for your nearest branch.