Meet Patrick Beckley of the 2023 Climate and Society Class
Patrick Beckley joined the Master of Climate and Society program this fall. He is interested in implementing climate solutions locally and globally.
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 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 Patrick Beckley, currently working as an environmental engineer at EPA, who looks forward to learning about solutions to build community resilience and resilience.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got interested in studying climate?
I was born in Sierra Leone and grew up in Kenya and the US. Living in different environments gave me a global perspective and understanding of shared environments. After studying environmental science in high school, I knew I wanted to solve environmental problems to have a global impact. So I chose chemical engineering at Howard University with a focus on nanotechnology and sustainability, and found a career path focused on making an impact on the environment.
What drew you to the Climate and Society program in particular?
There is always something new to learn and I love the interdisciplinary approach to learning different topics from an environmental perspective. This is an opportunity to learn how to collaborate and apply climate solutions with bright minds from different fields. Columbia University has an amazing faculty, and I’m excited to join the student and professional organization. The opportunity to study climate in New York City is also very attractive because of the enormous challenges and opportunities that the city faces.
What are you most excited about while you are here?
I am interested in environmental economics and how to successfully build solutions that contribute to community resilience and resilience. Other subject areas I’m looking forward to are related to design, policy, engineering and communications.
How does the program align with your career goals?
This program has given me the opportunity to improve my knowledge in the environmental field and will help me effectively lead the implementation of local and global climate solutions.
