Our Operational Volunteer Team

Our outstanding team of volunteers, the Operational Team, are responsible for developing and delivering our core work. Normally working ‘out-of-hours’, these dedicated volunteers have helped us to expand what we do and accelerate our future ambitions. To get in touch with one of our volunteers, email them using the format [firstname].[lastname]@2050.scot.

 

Our Leaders Network Team

 

Alex Stewart // Chair of Leaders Network

Alex works as a Trainee Solicitor with Gilson Gray LLP, and before that was a student at the University of Aberdeen and the University of Dundee. He wrote his dissertation on environmental liabilities during the decommissioning process in the North Sea, and is looking to specialise in environmental law. When he's not working or volunteering with 2050 Climate Group, he loves climbing & hiking up the west coast of Scotland as a part of the Scottish Outdoor Young Team, and going to see live music.

Gyan KharghariaAbhigyan finished his Masters degree in Sustainable Energy from the University of Glasgow, following his engineering degree in Nanotechnology from India. Before moving to Scotland he was working as a digital media intern in New Delhi. He is very passionate about the environment, and the use of sustainable energy to achieve climate targets. He is also very passionate about the use of social media to propagate stories of climate action. Outside his studies and work, he is an avid football fanatic and worked as a steward across all major stadiums in Scotland. He is currently back home in India and continues to work in a remote capacity for the 2050 Climate Group.

Gyan Khargharia

Originally hailing from India, Gyan is currently pursuing his Masters in Sustainability & Climate Change at the University of Dundee. He does a lot of research around transport policies in the UK and the use of public transport to achieve net-zero climate targets. He finished a Masters in Sustainable Energy from the University of Glasgow in 2019, following his engineering degree in Nanotechnology from India. Prior to moving to Scotland he was working as an intern at a digital marketing firm in New Delhi, and is also passionate about the use of social media to amplify stories of positive climate action. Outside his studies & work, he is an avid football fanatic and enjoys cooking.

Sofia KoukouraSofia works as an engineer and data scientist at ScottishPower Renewables. She has a PhD on wind turbine technology and collaborates closely with academia through her position as a visiting scholar at the University of Strathclyde. Sof…

Sofia Koukoura

Sofia works as an engineer and data scientist at ScottishPower Renewables. She has a PhD on wind turbine technology and collaborates closely with academia through her position as a visiting scholar at the University of Strathclyde. Sofia has a keen interest in interdisciplinary and intersectional approaches to tackling climate crisis. She hopes that by 2050 there will be more trees and stronger communities!

Victoria Tait

Victoria is a Lecturer Practitioner in the field of Education for Sustainability, with a particular interest in the role of environmental and sustainability education in Initial Teacher Training. She has worked in the sustainability and education sectors for over ten years, supporting teachers and academics to embed sustainability across their campus, curriculum and community, and empowering young people to take action for a sustainable future.

Ciaran Black

Ciaran works in Glasgow as a Project Manager at Statkraft, developing onshore wind farms across the UK, with particular interest in circular economy opportunities and community benefit potential. While studying geography & anthropology at the Universities of Glasgow and Bergen, he worked with environmental groups in Scotland and Norway to raise awareness and engagement in sustainability issues and the climate crisis.  Outside of work, he is also a keen climber and cyclist.

Jenny Scott

Jenny is currently a trainee solicitor with Thompson’s Solicitors. Her interest in climate change and environmental law follows her time in the waste industry as a business development manager with Changeworks Recycling. She will be volunteering in our Leaders Network as a Logistics Team Member.

Georgios Neonakis 

Gerogios is currently a Logistics Analyst with Kuehne + Nagel where he manages the Logistics of some of the biggest drink companies of the world. He has Masters in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Heriot Watt University, where he analysed and researched possible ways to reduce carbon emissions within the Logistics sector.

Linda Azodi

Linda is currently working for an international non-governmental organisation providing humanitarian aid. She holds a Masters in Human Rights and has a strong interest in disaster risk reduction, green energy and urban sustainability. In her free time she enjoys being in nature and going for runs.

 
 
Abi GardnerAbi is the Biodiversity and Climate Change Engagement Officer at NatureScot, working to bring together solutions to the duel crises of biodiversity loss and the climate emergency. She holds a degree in Geography, and masters in Ecosystem …

Abi Gardner // Co-Chair of YLDP

Abi is the Biodiversity and Climate Change Engagement Officer at NatureScot, working to bring together solutions to the duel crises of biodiversity loss and the climate emergency. She holds a degree in Geography, and masters in Ecosystem Services, with experience in public engagement on the importance of nature-based solutions to climate change, particularly leading on youth engagement. Abi completed the 2019/20 YLDP, joining as an Operational Volunteer soon after.

Hannah Lane // Co-Chair of YLDP

Hannah works as an Environmental Consultant for a small Landscape and Environmental Consultancy in Glasgow who specialise in renewable energy projects. She has a masters degree in Sustainability and Environmental Studies from the University of Strathclyde and has a particular interest in the circular economy and how we can best use waste materials. Hannah took part in the 2021/22 YLDP programme and joined the YLDP subgroup as a volunteer in July 2022. Outside of work Hannah enjoys being outdoors and has recently taken up wild swimming. She also enjoys vegan cooking/baking and incorporating ways to reduce kitchen waste such as making vegetable stock from veggie scraps.

 
Alex ReidAlex has a degree in Sustainable Development from the University of St Andrews and works as National Coordinator for the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) Scotland. She is passionate about nurturing education, youth voice and active c…

Alex Reid

Alex has a degree in Sustainable Development from the University of St Andrews and works as National Coordinator for the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) Scotland. She is passionate about nurturing education, youth voice and active citizenship as key tools in working to combat against climate change. Outside of work and volunteering she enjoys horse riding, travel, the great outdoors and live music, and has a new found love for yoga.

 
Scott KirbyScott works for the newly established Centre for Sustainable Solutions and the University of Glasgow, focusing on developing cross-cutting relationships between academia, government and policy makers. He completed the YLDP in 2018/19 and …

Scott Kirby

Scott works for the newly established Centre for Sustainable Solutions and the University of Glasgow, focusing on developing cross-cutting relationships between academia, government and policy makers. He completed the YLDP in 2018/19 and following a stint as the Student Union President at the University of Glasgow, has come back to volunteer with the YLDP sub-group.

Ruth Oxborrow

Ruth works as a Communications Officer for Sustrans across their Infrastructure and Network Development teams. She completed the 2021/22 YLDP and joined the YLDP subgroup shortly after. Her main interests lie in climate friendly and ethical food production, sustainable transport, and conservation. Outside of work and volunteering she likes to explore the outdoors, swim, and read.

 

Dan Yaxley // Chair of Policy

Dan has a degree in Biology and currently manages a microbiology lab in Glasgow. His passion is food - cooking it, eating it, and exploring how it impacts the climate emergency. He completed the 2019/20 YLDP and also volunteers with the Scottish Food Coalition, helping to create a greener, fairer food system in Scotland.

 
Rhona SmithRhona currently works for the charity Mary's Meals as a Grants and Development Officer and previously worked in the public sector in various roles focussed on waste, recycling, climate change and green infrastructure. She holds a Masters …

Rhona Smith

Rhona currently works for the Woodland Trust as their grant programme manager and has previously worked in various roles focussed on waste, recycling, climate change adaptation and green infrastructure. She holds a Masters degree in Environmental Sustainability from the University of Edinburgh. Rhona is particularly interested in nature recovery, climate change adaptation and climate justice.

Angeliki Spyroudi

Angeliki is Innovation Analyst at SSEN Transmission and works towards delivering an electricity network for Net Zero in the north of Scotland. Previous roles were in offshore renewable energy and biogas research. She holds a degree in Economic and Regional Development and master degrees in Environmental Management and Renewable Energy Technology. She participated in the first YLDP in 2015/16 and her main interests are in green energy and the circular economy. She loves cooking, hiking and exploring new places.

 

Anna MacMahon

Anna has been working at Zero Waste Scotland for three years, currently in the role of Environmental Analyst. In her career, she has supported the development of initiatives such as the Scottish Deposit Return Scheme and the Recycling Improvement Fund. Anna took part in the Young Leaders Development Programme in 2021/22 and has now joined the Group as a Policy Volunteer. Anna is particularly interested in the circular economy, waste management, and climate justice.

Bethany Tallis 

Beth is currently a Graduate Environmental Advisor with BEAR Scotland where she produces environmental assessments for road and bridge maintenance projects across Scotland. She has a degree in Environmental Studies and International Relations from the University of Rochester in upstate New York and her main interests lie in green construction, marine environments and the SDGs

 

Meredith Adams

Meredith works for Penguin as a Social Impact Manager - trying to make publishing a more inclusive and equal place for under-represented writers and readers. She is also a board member at the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. Meredith holds a degree in Geography and has a varied background in labour rights and corporate social responsibility roles. She was part of the pilot YLDP in 2015-2016 before becoming an Operational Team Member.

Andrew MacNish Porter

Andrew works as a policy manager for Scottish Renewables focusing on the policy mechanisms that bring renewable energy to market. He has a bachelor's degree in economics and a masters in global energy management and has a keen interest in renewable energy's role in Scotland's transition to net zero. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys swimming, music and anything outdoors.

Tara Sallis

Tara first got involved in climate activism through the YLDP last year and is now a member of the 2050 Policy Group. She works as an investment analyst at a Scottish asset management firm. She is particularly passionate about climate finance and helping young people get informed about their consumer choices and how they relate to environmental issues. In her free time, Tara loves hiking in nature and playing sports.

Emily FarquharAfter graduating from The University of Edinburgh with a degree in Sustainable Development, Emily joined Cycling UK as a Development Officer. She works on a range of projects across the Scottish Borders to promote active travel and encourage positive behaviour change. By supporting people to cycle more for everyday journeys, her aim is to make a contribution to reducing Scotland's transport-related emissions. In addition to her role in the 2050 Climate Group team, Emily is the COP26 Volunteer Ambassador for Scotland East and a Sustrans Bikeability Instructor. She is a keen cyclist and believes investing in active travel is a key action for transitioning to a zero carbon economy.

Emily Farquhar

After graduating from The University of Edinburgh with a degree in Sustainable Development, Emily joined Cycling UK as a Development Officer. She works on a range of projects across the Scottish Borders to promote active travel and encourage positive behaviour change. By supporting people to cycle more for everyday journeys, her aim is to make a contribution to reducing Scotland's transport-related emissions. In addition to her role in the 2050 Climate Group team, Emily is the COP26 Volunteer Ambassador for Scotland East and a Sustrans Bikeability Instructor. She is a keen cyclist and believes investing in active travel is a key action for transitioning to a zero carbon economy.

Laura Gordon

Laura works in youth engagement with science and is currently working on a project to get disadvantaged young people into STEM research placements. She has over ten years of experience in engaging young people with environmental issues, having previously worked to coordinate and deliver public engagement events at Dynamic Earth. She has a research master's in Ecology and Environmental Biology and is particularly passionate about nature-based solutions to the climate crisis. She joined the Policy subgroup in 2022 after completing the 2021-22 Young Leaders Development Programme.