After completing my undergraduate degree where I majored in Economics, and spending two years in the corporate world, I found myself torn between advancing my Economics knowledge or following a newfound passion for sustainability. Working in the supply chain industry, particularly in logistics, exposed me to green logistics and efforts to combat climate change. This experience ignited my interest in climate action and led to a dilemma: pursue the safe route of continuing with economics or dive into a new field.
Chase your passion
Ultimately, my passion for sustainability won, and I chose to pursue an MA in Climate, Risk, and Society. Climate change is a global issue, and I wanted to explore how organisations understand and respond to it.
The programme’s interdisciplinary approach, blending risk assessment and climate science, meshed perfectly with my economics background, allowing me to understand the economic dimensions of climate change. This course not only broadened my perspective but also equipped me with the tools to develop effective climate strategies.
It was a decision that aligned my career with my passion for sustainability while leveraging my economics expertise to make a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change.
Why Durham University?
When it came to choosing a University, I was spoilt for choice. The UK has many amazing education institutions with a reputation for excellence, but Durham stood out for me because of its strong emphasis on the wider student experience. There is a strong commitment by the University to ensure that, as a student, you not only get the classroom experience, but you’re also equipped with the skills to prepare you for the outside world.
From the get-go, I knew Durham was the place for me because its commitment for sustainability, and the journey to deliver solutions to a net zero transition, resonated with me. This cemented my decision that I was indeed choosing the right place.
The icing on the cake must be the fact that Durham is among the top 10 universities in the UK and among the Russell group of universities. As a prospective student, I was immediately sold.
Future plans?
Over the course of my studies, my interest in climate finance deepened. I became particularly fascinated by how financial institutions are adapting to climate risks, especially in developing regions like my country, Kenya. This emerging area has not been explored extensively, and I am eager to contribute to the field by researching how Kenyan financial institutions are incorporating climate risks into their operations.
My goal is to pursue a PhD in this area, furthering my research, and making a tangible impact on the global fight against climate change.
Looking back, choosing Durham University was one of the best decisions I made. The programme has helped me grow, not just academically, but also personally, by fostering an openminded approach to problem solving and social responsibility. I am excited about the future and eager to leave my mark in the field of climate finance, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient global economy.
Discover more
Find out about Durham’s Geography department here, including all courses (undergraduate and postgraduate), and much more.
Read all about postgraduate studies at Durham here.
To find out more about student life in Durham, follow our students on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube
