Growing up by the sea in the U.K., Amy Campbell was an adventurer from an early age. Whether she was spending days surfing and sailing off the coasts of Cornwall, or channeling her close connection with nature through creative writing, Campbell always felt a deep sense of wonder about the world—and a desire to make it better.

In the years since, Campbell has been channeling this goal, by participating in global climate negotiations for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and now as a Fulbright scholar in the M.A. in Climate and Society program at the Columbia Climate School, specializing in disaster preparedness. Learn more about Campbell’s journey in the Q&A below.

Tell us a little about your background.

I was born and raised by the sea in Cornwall, U.K., where my life revolved around the rhythm of the tides. Sailing and surfing became second nature, as did exploring the rugged beauty of my surroundings. My father and I would embark on voyages to the Isles of Scilly—sometimes enduring treacherous weather—and those experiences shaped my connection to nature.

After graduating from university with a degree in geography, I joined the U.K.’s Civil Service Fast Stream—a competitive graduate development program—which placed me in various roles, including advising senior officials on energy and net-zero policies. This led to a position on the U.K.’s UNFCCC negotiation team, where I worked on mitigation strategies before pivoting to adaptation.

Currently, I’m pursuing my master’s degree in Climate and Society at Columbia University, where my focus is on climate risk and disaster preparedness.

How did you find your way into the climate space?

My initial dreams revolved around becoming an author, fueled by my love of creative writing. I wrote fiction, often dystopian, but being rejected by my dream university for English literature forced me to pivot. A geography lesson on climate-induced displacement and the 2016 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report left an indelible mark on me, sparking a newfound passion. I changed my university plans, committed to studying geography and delved into climate journalism, activism and debating. I took part in a program through a charity called Outreach, which supports disadvantaged students in the U.K. to access top careers. With their support, I applied for the Civil Service Fast Stream and focused on a specific climate specialization within the graduate scheme.

When I joined the U.K.’s negotiation team for the UNFCCC, I was invited to participate in a climate development program called Cohort 2024 at University College London. The program focused on tipping points and derailment risks, and I was both obsessed with and horrified by the insights it provided. This experience motivated me to apply for a Fulbright scholarship, which I completed while on a boat in the middle of the sea—which was quite fitting! It gave me the toolkit to plan my studies at Columbia and hit the ground running.

Why did you decide to apply to the Climate and Society program?

I always knew I wanted to pursue a master’s degree in the international climate space. During my time in government and at the UNFCCC, I was alarmed by how the severity of the climate crisis was not reflected in policy, net-zero planning or negotiations. The Climate and Society program’s interdisciplinary approach stood out to me. 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. Its flexibility to specialize in areas like finance, adaptation and economics was particularly appealing. Other programs I considered, such as those at Yale or Harvard, were more economics-focused, which wouldn’t have allowed me to delve into climate issues in the way I wanted.

Which classes have you been most excited about and why?

This fall semester, I took Lisa Sachs’ Climate Policy and Investment course. Initially, I was nervous about taking it due to my limited background in finance and economics, but it became one of the most valuable classes I’ve taken. The course explored trade-offs and crises within the energy transition that are often overlooked. Sachs’ ability to make complex topics accessible, from credit risk ratings to systemic vulnerabilities, has been transformative for my academic focus and my work with the National Center for Disaster Preparedness [NCDP].

Additionally, the Disaster Preparedness class with Jeffrey Schlegelmilch has been incredibly impactful. It focuses on crafting effective, apolitical policies for diverse stakeholders, an essential skill given the need to communicate climate science and policy across political divides. Working with Jeff, I had the chance to write on 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 envision as your future role in solving the climate crisis?

I currently have a part-time job with NCDP. Long-term, I see myself as a policymaker working within multilateral systems like the UNFCCC. My goal is to integrate cutting-edge climate science and vulnerability analyses into global policy frameworks, ensuring that the needs of the most climate-vulnerable nations are prioritized and informed by the latest science. This includes addressing issues like climate displacement, food insecurity and inequitable access to finance. After graduation I plan to return to the U.K. government, but I am also exploring roles within the UN system.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

The recent election results really broke me for a while, even though I expected the outcome. It’s vital for those of us in the climate space to sit with the uncertainty and gather strength from community and resilience. I believe it is possible to put guardrails on the administration and mobilize allies to create effective climate policy.

My work with NCDP has been a dream job. The team is passionate, hardworking and inspiring, and I’m proud to be a part of it. I hope to continue driving change through collaboration, innovation and a deep commitment to equity and justice. To not end on a depressing note and give a bit more hope, read my most recent article with NCDP.