Amy Campbell grew up on the British seaside and has been an adventurer since she was a child. Whether spending days surfing and sailing on the Cornish coast, or expressing a close connection with nature through creative writing, Campbell has always had a deep curiosity about the world and a desire to make it a better place .
In the years since, Campbell has been working toward that goal, participating in global climate negotiations at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and now as a Fulbright Scholar in the Masters Program in Climate and Society at Columbia Climate Institute , specializing in disaster prevention. Learn more about Campbell’s journey in the Q&A below.
Please tell us a bit about your background.
I was born and raised by the sea in Cornwall, England, and my life revolves around the rhythm of the tides. Sailing and surfing became second nature to me, as did exploring the ruggedly beautiful surroundings. My father and I would embark on voyages to the Isles of Scilly – sometimes enduring rough weather – and these experiences shaped my connection to nature.
After graduating from university with a degree in Geography, I joined the UK’s Civil Service Fast Track Scheme (a competitive postgraduate development scheme) which saw me working in a variety of roles including advising senior officials on energy and net zero policy suggestions. This led to a role on the UK UN Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiating team, where I was responsible for mitigation strategies before moving onto adaptation.
Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Climate and Society at Columbia University, focusing on climate risk and disaster preparedness.
How did you get into climate?
My original dream was to become a writer, which stemmed from my love for creative writing. I write novels, usually dystopian ones, but rejection from my dream English literature university forced me to pivot. Geography lessons on climate-induced displacement and the 2016 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report left an indelible mark on me and inspired a new passion in me. I changed my college plans and committed to studying geography and delving into climate journalism, activism, and debate. I’m involved in a project with a charity called upReach, which supports disadvantaged students in the UK to get into top careers. With their support, I applied for the Civil Service fast track and focused on a specific climate specialization within the postgraduate course.
When I joined the UK negotiating team for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, I was invited to participate in University College London’s climate development program called Cohort 2040. The program focused on tipping points and derailment risks, and I was both fascinated and shocked by the insights it provided. This experience led me to apply for a Fulbright scholarship, which I did on a boat in the middle of the ocean—it was a perfect fit! It gave me the toolkit to plan my studies at Columbia and start studying right away.
Why did you decide to apply to the Climate and Society Programme?
I always knew I wanted to pursue a master’s degree in international climate. During my time in government and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, I have been struck by how the severity of the climate crisis was not reflected in policy, net zero planning or negotiations. The interdisciplinary approach of the Climate and Society Program stood out to me. Traditional government responses often fail to reflect the urgency of the climate crisis, instead adhering to outdated paradigms such as the 1.5°C target. I want a plan that combines climate science, policy and disaster preparedness. Its flexibility to focus on areas such as finance, adjustment and economics is particularly attractive. Other programs I considered, such as those at Yale or Harvard, were more focused on economics, which did not allow me to delve into climate issues in the way I wanted.
Which courses are you most interested in?
This fall semester, I took Lisa Sacks’s Climate Policy and Investment course. Initially, I was nervous about taking this course due to my limited background in finance and economics, but it became one of the most valuable courses I have ever taken. This course explores the often-overlooked trade-offs and crises in the energy transition. Sachs’ ability to make complex topics accessible, from credit risk ratings to system vulnerabilities, has had a transformative impact on my academic focus and my work with the National Center for Disaster Preparedness [NCDP].
Additionally, Jeffrey Schlegelmilch’s disaster preparedness courses have had an incredible impact. It focuses on developing effective, non-political policy for diverse stakeholders, an essential skill given the need to communicate climate science and policy across political divides. Working with Jeff gave me the opportunity to write about what I am most passionate about: climate adaptation and non-linear climate risks from an international perspective. This resulted in the publication of the book Policy Implications for Climate Adaptation in the Context of Nonlinear Impacts and Catastrophic Risks.
What role do you think you will play in solving the climate crisis in the future?
I currently work part-time at NCDP. In the long term, I see myself as a policymaker working within multilateral systems such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 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 impacts are prioritized and informed by the latest science. This includes addressing issues such as climate migration, food insecurity and unequal access to finance. After graduation, I plan to return to the UK government, but I am also exploring a role within the United Nations system.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The recent election results did break my heart for a while, even though I had anticipated the results. It is critical for those of us in the climate sector to face uncertainty and draw strength from community and resilience. I believe it is possible to put guardrails around government and mobilize allies to create effective climate policy.
My job at NCDP is a dream job. The team is passionate, hard-working and inspiring and I’m proud to be a part of it. I hope to continue driving change through collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to equity and justice. To not end on a depressing note and to give you more hope, read my recent article on NCDP.
