Emily is the Director of the Centre for Climate Engagement at Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge. She has over 25 years of experience working with businesses, governments and non-profit organizations to support the transition to a low-carbon economy and has worked across multi-stakeholder groups and within specific industry sectors to collaborate on solutions to tackle climate change. She was previously the Head of Climate Initiatives at the World Economic Forum where she was involved in setting up the Climate Governance Initiative (now hosted at the Centre for Climate Engagement), the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, the Mission Possible Partnership and the Natural Climate Solutions Alliance. Previously she worked in environmental consultancy firms including ERM and URS, non-profit organisation The Climate Group and ran her own social enterprise focused on climate action research and campaigning.

She continues to stay engaged in a range of organisations working to accelerate climate action including being a member of the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition Advisory Group and a member of the University of Cambridge Sustainability Committee. Emily holds a Masters in Environmental Science, Management and Law from Brunel University London and has been involved in a wide range of research projects. 

What is your favourite thing about being part of Cambridge Zero or the University of Cambridge? 

Cambridge Zero provides a wonderful network of academics and experts that have a shared interest in tackling climate change. It is extremely valuable to be able to share ideas and learn from others to improve the impact we can deliver.

What do you think is our biggest environmental challenge? 

Human nature. We know how to address most of the environmental challenges facing society but lack of leadership, vested interests and politics often get in the way of being able to implement the changes needed.

What gets you out of bed (and into work) in the morning? 

Working with a wonderful team who share a common purpose of wanting to make the world a better place.