| I studied Geography at University and specialised in Climate Science – I knew from then that the situation was much worse than what they were telling us on the news or wherever you get your information from! I went on to do an MSc in Geospatial and Mapping Science which led me to work offshore (which is more about renewable energy projects), but my previous awareness about the impending Climate Emergency was always lurking there. When I saw a local climate action job, focussed on cutting local carbon emissions and helping people on low incomes I knew this was the career path I had meant to take! I went for it and six years on, that job led to setting up a social enterprise known as Transition Dundee.
I have learned so much in this job over the years but one of the first and most important things I learned was that taking action on climate can have so many other benefits, across society. Take one of our most successful projects to date, Dundee West End Community Fridge. We initially set it up to try and reduce local food waste – having no idea how much of a little hub it would become. It is now open 5 days a week, it saves 4.5 of food waste per month (4 times higher than we originally hoped!), saves thousands of locals money on their shopping, provides dignified access to food for those in need, increases a sense of purpose and belonging in the community, reducing social isolation and poor mental health and much more. One small action can to lead to so much more and we hope to create many more projects like this in years to come, as well as encouraging and inspiring others! |