Growing up on the English coast, Amy Campbell was an adventurer from an early age. Whether he’s spending his days surfing and sailing off the coast of Cornwall or communicating his close connection to nature through his creative work, Campbell always feels a deep sense of wonder about the world and a desire to make it a better place. I had aspirations.
Since then, Campbell has participated in global climate negotiations leading up to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and is currently pursuing this goal as a Fulbright Scholar. MSc in Climate and Society program at columbia climate schoolspecialized in disaster prevention. Read more about Campbell’s journey in the Q&A below.
Please tell us a little about your background.
I was born and raised on the coast of Cornwall, England, where life revolved around the rhythm of the tides. Sailing and surfing became second nature, and so did exploring the rugged beauty around us. My father and I went on voyages to the Isles of Scilly, sometimes enduring dangerous weather, and those experiences shaped my connection to nature.
After graduating from university with a degree in Geography, I joined the UK Civil Service Fast Stream (a competitive graduate development programme), working in a variety of roles including advising senior bureaucrats on energy and net zero policy. I carried it. This led to him becoming part of the UK’s UNFCCC negotiating team, where he worked on mitigation strategies before pivoting to adaptation.
I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in climate and society at Columbia University, with a focus on climate risk and disaster preparedness.
How did you get into the field of climate?
My first dreams revolved around becoming a writer, fueled by my love for creative writing. I had been writing dystopian novels, but I was forced to change direction when I wasn’t accepted into the English literature department at the university I was applying to. A geography lesson on forced migration due to climate change and the 2016 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report left an indelible mark on me and sparked a new passion. I changed my college plans and focused on studying geography and delved into climate journalism, activism, and debate groups. I joined the program through a charity called Outreach, which helps disadvantaged students in the UK get into prestigious careers. With their support, I applied to the Civil Service Fast Stream to focus on a specific climate specialization within the graduate scheme.
When I joined the UK negotiating team at the UNFCCC, I was invited to join a climate development program called Cohort 2024 at University College London. The program focuses on tipping points; Risk of derailmentAnd I was simultaneously fascinated and horrified by the insights it provided. This experience motivated me to apply for a Fulbright Scholarship, which I applied for while on a boat in the middle of the ocean. This was a perfect fit. This has given me a toolkit to plan and get serious about my studies at Columbia University.
Why did you decide to apply to the Climate and Society Program?
I always wanted to pursue a master’s degree in the international climate field. During my time in government and at the UNFCCC, I was concerned that the seriousness of the climate crisis was not being reflected in policy, net zero plans and negotiations. What impressed me was the interdisciplinary approach of the Climate and Society program. Traditional government responses often fail to reflect the urgency of the climate crisis, clinging to outdated paradigms like the 1.5°C target. I wanted a program that combined climate science, policy, and disaster preparedness. The flexibility to specialize in areas such as finance, adaptation, and economics was particularly appealing. Other programs I considered, such as Yale and Harvard, focused more on economics, so I wouldn’t have been able to delve into climate issues as much as I would have liked.
Which class were you most looking forward to and why?
This fall semester, I took the following courses: lisa sax‘Climate Policy and Investment Course. Initially, I was nervous about taking the course due to my limited knowledge of finance and economics, but it turned out to be one of the most valuable classes I have ever taken. This course explored the often overlooked trade-offs and crises of the energy transition. Mr. Sachs’ ability to make complex topics accessible, from credit risk ratings to systemic vulnerabilities, has transformed my academic focus and work with organizations. National Disaster Prevention Center [NCDP].
Additionally, disaster prevention classes are also held. Jeffrey Schlegelmilch It has had an incredible impact. It focuses on developing effective, apolitical policies for diverse stakeholders, an essential skill given the need to communicate climate science and policy across political divides. I had the opportunity to work with Jeff to write about what I’m most passionate about: climate adaptation and nonlinear climate risks from an international perspective. This culminated in a publication.Policy implications for climate adaptation in the context of nonlinear impacts and catastrophic risks.“
What do you see as your future role in solving the climate crisis?
I am currently working part-time at NCDP. In the long term, I see myself as a policy maker working within a multilateral system such as the UNFCCC. My goal is to integrate cutting-edge climate science and vulnerability analysis into global policy frameworks, ensuring that the needs of countries most vulnerable to climate change are prioritized and provided with information based on the latest science. It is to do so. This includes addressing issues such as climate change, food insecurity and unequal access to finance. I plan to return to the UK government after graduation, but I am also exploring a role within the United Nations system.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I expected the outcome, but the recent election results really shocked me for a while. For those of us in the climate change field, it is important to gather strength from communities and resilience in the face of uncertainty. I believe it is possible for the administration to put guardrails in place and mobilize allies to develop effective climate policy.
Working at NCDP was a dream job. The team is passionate, hard-working and inspiring and I’m proud to be a part of it. I want to continue to drive change through collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity and justice. To avoid a depressing story and give you a little more hope, read my latest article on NCDP.
