Net zero by 2040: More advice from our alumni network

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 is the second in a series of articles to feature alumni insights. Read the first article which was published by the College in November. 

Professor Daniella Tilbury (1990, Environmental Studies; Honorary Fellow 2018) 

Professor Tilbury is the UK government’s focal point at the UN Economic Commission for Europe and a formal adviser to the European Commission on the green and digital transitions.  She was the inaugural Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gibraltar and has held the position of Dean, Director of Research, and Chair in Sustainability at universities in UK, Hong Kong and Australia. She has long been involved with sustainability, and served as HM Government of Gibraltar’s first Commissioner for Sustainable Development (2018–23). She was a member of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Board that brought Earth Hour to the World in 2007. Previously, she spent time in Madagascar, Tanzania, South Africa, China, Japan, Korea, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Italy, Morocco, Australia and the USA undertaking field evaluation of WWF investments in sustainability. 

She commented, “The College is awake to climate change and sustainability concerns, as shown by the plans to decarbonise by 2040. The Green Working Group has the ambitious task of addressing estates, energy and wider engagement commitments; this is not an easy task given there are so many competing priorities. There is much to be done, but we are moving in the right direction. New facilities, accommodation, food, travel and waste all have associated targets but perhaps one of the most impactful, but harder to measure, is the College’s investment (divestment) policy and portfolio. 

“The College’s roadmap provides opportunities to make a tangible difference in the net zero agenda. These engagement opportunities are as relevant to students who want an immediate practical contribution as well as those who wish to pursue careers in sustainability. Volunteering experience is always welcome by employers, as are interdisciplinary skills. If you have an interest in addressing the climate or biodiversity crisis, engage in dialogues and develop capabilities that transcend your core area of expertise. We must break away from the silo mentality and learn to engage across specialist areas. This is essential if we are to broker solutions that may not be visible or possible from a singular disciplinary perspective. Change can only happen if we share our talents and take responsibility for a better future.”

Dr Chris Quarton (2011, Engineering), consultant at EY

A passion for energy and decarbonisation drove Chris to study engineering at St Catharine’s. After graduating in 2015, he had a short stint as an engineering consultant before completing a PhD at the University of Bath, exploring the role of hydrogen in the UK energy system. 

Chris has worked as an advisor at the UK Energy Department (BEIS, then DESNZ) where he led the technical advice on a range of hydrogen and industrial decarbonisation policies and programmes. He now works as a consultant at EY, advising industrial decarbonisation projects on funding and early-stage project development.

He said, “It's great to see such strong ambition from Catz matched by real action across the full scope of emissions! Institutions like Catz can have an invaluable role in trail-blazing, so it's excellent to see Catz taking this on.

“Climate change is not only one of the single greatest challenges of our generation but also one that must be addressed within the timescale of the careers of today's students! What better opportunity is there for an impactful career than one addressing climate change?

“Personally, I found my PhD to be a great opportunity to delve deep into a relevant topic. I'd highly recommend external sponsorship for such a PhD – my own was sponsored by BEIS, which provided great opportunities for sharing my findings with policymakers as well as opening doors for my career post-PhD.”

Rory Cockshaw (2019, Natural Sciences), Founder & CEO of This Is Not A Game

After graduating from St Catharine’s, Rory spent a year campaigning for a vegan charity, striving to bring about a more ethical, sustainable food system. After that, he became the Founder's Associate at a plant-based dog food company, though he quickly caught the entrepreneurial bug and took the decision to set up his own company. 

Rory is now Founder & CEO of This Is Not A Game, the world's first vegan-themed tabletop games company. He designs, manufactures and sells card games and board games that raise awareness of serious issues like animal rights and climate change in a light-hearted way. He also freelances as an eCommerce consultant for other ethical and sustainable brands.

He added, “During the pandemic, I was privileged enough to become President of the Catz JCR, so I saw first-hand the passion and drive within the Catz community to become more sustainable – from increasing and improving vegan offerings to opting for renewable energy and more ethical banks, the moves have been massive. I am so excited for my alma mater to lead the way on sustainability in higher education! 

“My advice to current students would be to think outside of the box. Having started my own business, I can hand-on-heart say that it's one of the best ways not only to accelerate your own professional growth, but also have the greatest impact you can on the environment through business activism. You don't have to be a consultant, a banker or a recruiter – you can pave your own way and have your own say in making the world a better place!”