Net zero by 2040: Advice from our alumni

St Catharine’s is fortunate to have a growing number of alumni who are active on issues relating to environmental sustainability: from individuals who have distinguished themselves as leaders in their field, to more recent graduates who are already starting to make their mark. As the College implements a roadmap to net zero carbon emissions by 2040, we spoke to some of these alumni about what they make of our progress and their advice for current students who may be considering careers that address climate change. This article is the first in a series of articles to feature their insights, with more to follow very soon.  

Lilian Greenwood MP (1984, SPS), Minister for the Future of Roads

After more than 20 years working as a trade union organiser, Lilian has served as the Labour Member of Parliament for Nottingham South since 2010. Following July’s General Election she was appointed Minister for the Future of Roads in the Department for Transport.

Lilian previously served as a Shadow Transport Minister (2011–16) and chaired the cross-party Transport Select Committee (2017–19). She has also served as Deputy Chief Whip and as a Shadow Minister in Labour’s Culture, Media and Sport Team.

Lilian commented, “I was delighted to hear about the College's commitment to reach net zero by 2040 and it's great to read about the progress already made. I was particularly pleased to see that Catz is embracing greener transport, swapping petrol and diesel vehicles for electric ones and upgrading the College's support for cycling.

“Responding to the climate emergency is the defining challenge of our time: whether that’s meeting the commitment to reach net zero or ensuring that societies can adapt to the environmental change that it already so evident. We need people with a wide range of skills and creative thinking to help us meet this challenge. Whether you're an engineer or an artist, addressing sustainability will be an essential part of your career.”

David Quarton FREng (1977, Engineering), Visiting Professor, University of Bristol

David is a leading figure in the field of wind power engineering. Following graduation from St Catharine’s in 1980, he worked initially for a wind turbine manufacturer before joining a renewable energy consultancy where he established and led a multi-disciplinary team of engineers to provide wind turbine research, design services and software tools. Over some 30 years this team has undertaken the design of numerous large scale onshore and offshore turbines for customers and markets around the world. 

Since 2015, he has been a Visiting Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bristol and contributes to wind energy teaching and research activities. In 2023 he was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering. 

David said, “I am delighted to learn of the great progress made at the College towards its 2040 net zero target. The actions taken and achievements made are already truly impressive and all those involved deserve great applause. I look forward to hearing more in the future, particularly with regard to roof-top solar panels. Although I have a passion for wind power, I can accept that a turbine on Main Court would, for a host of reasons, be far from desirable!

“The journey to net zero is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. If, as a future St Catharine’s graduate, you would like to make a real difference on this journey towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable tomorrow, then a green career could be for you. It has been estimated that some 400,000 roles need to be filled in the UK in order to meet key climate milestones up to 2050. The variety of these roles is enormous providing opportunities for graduates in STEM and many other subjects.”

Dr Steve Foister (1988, Materials Science and Metallurgy), Advisor, Green Climate Fund

After graduating from St Catharine’s and completing a PhD at the University of Surrey, Steve has had a successful career in procurement. He started out with project-based work for the private sector in the UK and overseas, before serving in several public sector roles.

Steve’s first major role with the United Nations (UN) family came about in 2014 when he joined the International Atomic Energy Agency as Section Head for Field Procurement. He has since gone on to other roles in the UK and the UN family, and is currently supporting the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Established in 2010 within the framework of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the GCF assists countries to reduce and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Steve commented, “In my UN travels, I meet many people that know Cambridge – whether undergraduates there many years ago, postgrads, language students, visiting fellows – many senior people in the international organisations, and national governments, have been influenced by Cambridge. So reducing the carbon of one small college isn’t going to save the planet: though leading the way might. So don’t just lead on net zero and beyond – do it joyfully, do it positively. This is vital, to have a spirit of hope as well as an urgency for change.

“Be positive about the change you can make. Don’t worry too much if you forget your reusable cup and need to get your coffee in a disposable one. It happens sometimes. Be positive – and maybe grow a plant in it (the UN building in Vienna is full of my spider plants!). Reuse. Adapt. Mitigate.”

Beau O’Sullivan (2010, MML), Senior Communications Strategist, The Sunrise Project

Beau is a senior communications strategist for a climate change NGO focusing on the finance sector. After leaving Catz in 2014, he initially joined the press office of an investment bank where he learned about corporate communications and press – he tells us this move was to the surprise of many of his friends. He's since spent most of his career working with journalists to pressure big global banks, investors and insurance companies to take responsibility for their impacts on climate change and human rights issues. 

Beau added, “The world might feel like a dire place right now, but action is the best tonic. As a community of smart and passionate people Catz has so much power to influence decisions to make the College and the wider University even more of a leader than they currently are on net zero. 

“Don't feel peer-pressured into following the crowd into careers in consultancy and finance. But if you do, you can always be a change-maker within those industries – just don't drink the Kool Aid. There are tonnes of fun careers in campaigning and the NGO sector. Philanthropy is well-paid too if that's your thing. I promise it will turn a day job into a life job and you'll find enrichment in it.”