Meet Adam Stickney of the 2023 Climate and Society Class
Adam Stickney joined the Master of Climate and Society program this fall. He looks forward to learning how to translate ideas into climate action.
Columbia Climate School welcomes new class of students this fall MSc in Climate and Society. This 12-month interdisciplinary program trains students to understand and address the social and environmental impacts of climate change and climate variability.
The upcoming Class of 2023 includes 80 students with diverse backgrounds and career paths, impressive skills, and ambitious plans to help protect people and the environment.
Planetary Condition will be featured interview Join several of these extraordinary students over the next few weeks. In the Q&A below, you can meet Adam Stickney as he looks forward to learning how to translate ideas into climate action.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got interested in studying climate?
I grew up in the UK and spent most of my time in nature. My youth was filled with time spent in the forests of southern England. I didn’t really begin to understand the magnitude of the climate crisis until I took a class in college. It was my community college professor who inspired me to major in the environmental field, and now that I’ve graduated from UC Berkeley, I feel like I’m ready to focus on climate research at Columbia.
With each new IPCC report, it becomes increasingly clear to me that the climate crisis is humanity’s greatest challenge, and how we respond will determine the fate of our planet and all the species that live here. My interest in studying climate goes beyond my love of nature. Ultimately, this is a response to the devastation wrought by climate change and the unequal effects it will have on a global scale.
What drew you to the Climate and Society program in particular?
The Climate and Society project is unique in that it takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying climate, which is exactly what I was looking for. I am delighted to see a top university open a school dedicated to climate – the Columbia Climate School. I am well aware that Colombia is taking this crisis seriously and is leading the way. This is exactly where I want to go; this is where innovation happens. Class cohorts originate from a range of diverse backgrounds, which are critical to gaining a comprehensive and effective climate response and understanding.
What are you most excited about when you are here?
In addition to the basic science necessary to fully understand the complexities of climate, I am most excited to understand the processes required to turn ideas into action. I mean, how can we translate our research into substantive policy. American politics has become irritable and increasingly complex, and learning to navigate this area is critical to enacting positive change.
How does the program align with your career goals?
I aspire to work in the field of climate policy, whether as a policy analyst for government or conducting research and advocacy at an NGO think tank. This program couldn’t have prepared me better for it. I will gain a dynamic scientific and mathematical background on climate and the skills to practically communicate it to policymakers. We will conduct research and collaborations with other students, professors and organisations. This is exactly why I want to be part of an interdisciplinary climate program.
Do you have anything to add?
How surreal it feels to have this wonderful opportunity to pursue my passion and have the opportunity to be part of the solution. My acceptance at Columbia Climate School is indescribable and I can’t wait to start a new chapter of my life in NYC.
