Rachel Orchard
As the Centre for Sustainable Forests and Landscape’s (CSFL) digital media officer, I inherited previous Earth fellow, Esther’s, amazing work on developing the CSFL brand identity and communication strategy. I’ve contributed to progressing, promoting and professionalising CSFL behind the scenes, particularly to inform how we accurately reflect the breadth of research interests and expertise in the re-development of the website. Particularly, I’ve been updating the CSFL staff profiles and building consistency in promoting CSFL members’ work through monthly news articles.
I’ve improved my collaboration and networking skills as CSFL is all about bringing people together alongside developing an article writing style that balances accessibility with sharing scientific evidence. Being an Earth Fellow has also provided invaluable personal development opportunities, such as chairing NatureScot’s webinar on Sustainable careers and co-presenting with the Tree Council at a Climate Justice event.
Rachel is such an invaluable member of our team. She has been instrumental in enhancing our social media presence through regular LinkedIn posts, has written several articles that showcase our members' research and has developed key content for our major website redevelopment planned for later this year. – Nataša Honeybone, CSFL Communication and Events lead
Emma Ackerley
My role was to help bring the Edinburgh Earth Initiative’s work to life through digital communications, storytelling and event support. I played an active role in turning climate research and Earth Fellows’ work into engaging, accessible content for wider audiences. This included developing visuals, promoting key events, interviewing researchers, and supporting high-profile activities such as COP-related events and the University’s Regenerative Sustainability launch. I also collaborated with Earth Fellows, EEI colleagues and partners including Scotland Beyond Net Zero.
Working as an Earth Fellow encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and strengthen my skills across interviewing, event delivery, design, partnership work and collaboration with researchers and professionals. The experience with EEI and other Earth Fellows was genuinely inspiring, helping me grow both personally and professionally while deepening my motivation to build a meaningful career in sustainability.
Emma made a big impact in her time at EEI, from developing a rebranded suite of print and digital materials, to creating engaging news and feature articles and supporting high-profile events. She’s an excellent collaborator, infectiously creative and ready to give any challenge a go. – Annabel Cooper, Comms Co-ordinator, Edinburgh Earth Initiative
Howard Mwesigwa
As an Earth Fellow I supported the On-Campus and Online Engagement with COP project by contributing to climate policy discussions, communications, and stakeholder engagement activities. A key highlight was organising the COP Café 2025 and the ‘Multilateralism at Crossroads’ events, which brought together a diverse group of academics and students, and fostered timely discussions on climate justice, multilateralism and climate cooperation, among others. I also authored several topical blogs with the objective of deepening awareness, understanding and participation of students and academics in climate action initiatives linked to the University of Edinburgh’s sustainability agenda. I worked directly with the team at the Edinburgh Earth Initiative, to whom I owe a great deal of gratitude.
During my Fellowship, I learnt the importance of translating complex climate policy discussions into accessible and engaging conversations for diverse audiences. I also strengthened my skills in project management, stakeholder engagement and climate policy communications. This experience reinforced my commitment to advancing inclusive climate governance and will significantly shape my future work in environmental law, climate policy, and sustainability leadership.
Howard brought so much enthusiasm and knowledge to our engagement with UN climate negotiations this year. His work has helped so many people at the University (and beyond!) to understand and engage with multilateralism and climate governance. We look forward to building on his successes come COP31. – Chloe Francis, Earth Fellows programme manager, Edinburgh Earth Initiative
Katherine Taylor
This year as an Earth Fellow, I supported the University’s engagement with the UNFCCC COP process by devising the brief for, and supporting the production of, the Advancing Action publication which the University shared in the run-up to COP30. This publication summarised the University’s expertise in issues relating to climate change, sustainability and the environment and was used as a tool for engagement at the COP30 meeting. I also authored a follow-up publication summarising the outcomes of COP30, and considering potential priorities for COP31.
I really enjoyed working with members of the University from such an array of disciplines. The essays included within the Advancing Action publication touched on subjects from climate finance, to ensuring resilient health systems, and the circular economy. Collectively, these pieces demonstrated that effective climate action needs to take an inclusive, systems approach.
Katherine has been an indispensable Earth Fellow, playing a pivotal role in supporting EEI’s engagement with the COP process. Through her policy expertise, collaborative approach, attention to detail and subject knowledge, she has helped maximise the University’s impact and establish strong foundations to strengthen cross institutional engagement with UN climate and environment processes moving forward. – Lucy Young, Director of Operations, Edinburgh Earth Initiative