Our Board

Our board of trustees sets the strategic direction of the charity and is responsible for governance, finance and exploring new opportunities for the organisation.
To get in touch with one of our board members, email them using the format [firstname].[lastname]@2050.scot.

**John Lowe // Chair**
John works in ESG in the financial services industry, where he contributes towards integrating sustainability into business practices. He previously held roles focusing on the measurement of company performance against strategic aims. He has been involved with 2050 Climate Group since joining as a Trustee in 2021 and became Chair of the Board in 2023.

**Emma Yule // Vice-Chair**
Emma is completing a PhD in environmental and atmospheric sciences at Edinburgh University focused on extreme events and climate risk. She also works as a tutor on the Carbon Management Masters. Prior to this she has worked as a consultant and data analyst in the private sector and for an environmental NGO aiming to help companies reduce emissions. Emma is particularly interested in climate science and science communication as well as adaptation and how we can transition to a low-carbon economy in a fair and just way.

**Robert McCall // Treasurer**
Robert works at a financial institution where he has held roles in ESG and policy. He is currently training to be a Chartered Accountant and has held a number of external voluntary roles in the past. Robert lives in Edinburgh and holds a degree in Economics and Finance from the University of Edinburgh. He joined the board as treasurer in 2023.

**Abhigyan Khargharia**
Gyan currently works as the Active Travel Officer for NHS Glasgow, focusing on sustainable travel for NHS Staff, helping reduce transport emissions of Scotland's largest workforce. He moved to the UK from India in 2018 for higher studies, and has been with 2050 Climate group since 2019 - initially with the Leader's Network subgroup, before becoming a co-chair for the subgroup and then finally becoming a board member in 2024. He is passionate about community engagement and sustainable transport in Scotland. Academically Gyan comes from an engineering background and holds a master's degree in Sustainable Energy from the University of Glasgow, and a master's degree in Sustainability & climate change from the University of Dundee.

**Alex Irwin**
Alex is a solicitor specialising in clean energy. She works with renewable energy developers on onshore and offshore wind, solar and battery projects across Scotland. Alex also represents 2050 Climate Group on the Climate Emergency Response Group. She is currently chair of the finance and legal sub-group on the Board.

**Caitlin MacInnes**

Caitlin (They/She) has worked in the science communication and informal learning field since 2018, engaging communities with climate change topics (including at COP26!), the future of food and health! They are currently the STEM Development Lead at Dundee Science Centre, working with a wide range of audiences and communities to empower them and build their skillsets through science experiences. They completed the Young Leader Development Programme in 2023 and joined the Board of Trustees in 2024. Caitlin is a proud activist of LGBTQ+ and disability rights. Inclusion and representation is at the heart of everything they do.

**Caoimhe McCusker**
Caoimhe works in commercial asset management for an offshore wind developer. She has a background in financial modelling and project finance, having previously studied Electrical Engineering with Renewable Energy at the University of Edinburgh. Caoimhe joined the Board of Trustees in 2025.

**Dami Aluko**
Dami is a sustainability and energy professional with extensive experience in renewable energy, sustainable development, and impact projects across Sub-Saharan Africa and the United Kingdom. He currently works as a Technical Commercial Manager at SNRG, developing and implementing low-carbon energy solutions to support the transition to a net-zero future. Dami has previously worked across technical, commercial, and policy-focused roles to drive clean energy access and climate action for both public and private sector organisations. Dami holds a bachelor’s degree in physics and a master’s in Satellite Applications from the University of Strathclyde. Dami joined the 2050 Climate Group’s board in 2025.

**Jakub Vrba**
Jakub leads the energy access research portfolio at Energy Saving Trust, focusing on off-grid solar appliances deployed in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. He has been involved with 2050 Climate Group since 2017 after joining the Young Leaders Development Programme. Jakub is a Chartered Engineer and holds an MSc in Renewable Energy Systems & the Environment from the University of Strathclyde. He serves as Head of 2050 Climate Group for UNFCCC events including Conferences of Parties (COPs).

**Kirsty Mitchell**
Kirsty is a lawyer specialising in environmental and energy law, with a particular interest in climate change, ESG and sustainability. Kirsty has been involved with 2050 Climate Group since 2019 when she completed the Young Leaders Development Programme. Soon after, she joined the charity as an operational volunteer, forming part of the team responsible for delivering the programme. She became a Trustee in 2023. Prior to her involvement, Kirsty participated in sustainability-related volunteer projects in Latin America and New Zealand, and studied Law and French at the University of Edinburgh.

**Leanne Atkinson**
Leanne works as a Committee Specialist in environmental policy at the House of Commons. She has a background in psychology and a master's in global environmental politics from the University of Edinburgh, with previous work experience at the Environment Agency. Leanne lives in Edinburgh and when not working you can find her dancing salsa or somewhere outdoors. Leanne joined the Board in 2023.

**Rachael Martin**
Rachael has volunteered with 2050 Climate Group since 2016 after completing the pilot YLDP. She became Co-Chair of the YLDP subgroup from 2020-2022 following volunteering positions within the YLDP and Leaders Networks teams. Rachael works within the Circular Glasgow team at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce delivering projects that support the business community on their sustainability journey and empower people in green jobs. Previously a senior environmental consultant at Ramboll, she project managed environmental impact assessment (EIA) projects in the renewable energy sector. Rachael joined the Board as a Trustee in 2022 and was part of our COP26 Blue Zone delegation.

**Rhona Kerr**
Rhona works on Scotland's national fuel poverty and energy efficiency scheme, and is on their Net Zero Hero team to support the company's move to a more sustainable future both for their customers and themselves. She became actively engaged with the climate emergency discussions whilst studying at the University of Glasgow during COP26, and is always looking for ways to become more actively engaged in the climate discussion. When she is not working you will find her running off to the great outdoors to go camping or mountain climbing. Rhona joined the 2050 Climate Group's board in 2024.

**Sally Allan**
Sally is a Service Designer, specialising in human centred and sustainable design. Sally focuses on helping organisations see their services from a user perspective, balancing their business needs and challenging organisations to think differently about their carbon impact. Sally joined the 2050 climate group in 2022 and is part of the learning and development team, focusing on strategy. Sally has a MChem in Chemistry from the University of St Andrews and has worked on creating sustainable materials in various geographies around the world.

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

**Alex Stewart // Co-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.

**Sofia Koukoura // Co-Chair of Leaders Network**
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!

**Alejandra Bustamante**
Alejandra has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Edinburgh where she currently works as an operations specialist. Previous experience includes supporting the Edinburgh Infrastructure and Investment Programme Board and financial and project management in the telecom and banking industry. She is particularly interested in sustainable finance and how to migrate from a profit system to a shared value system. Alejandra also loves to dance, hike, and learn other languages.

**Georgios Neonakis**
Currently working as a Supply Chain Analyst with Lifescan Scotland. Georgios has Masters in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and a Bachelor in Data Science from Heriot Watt University, where he analysed and researched possible ways to reduce carbon emissions and improve processes within the supply chain.

**Jean Stafford**
Jean is a postdoctoral research fellow working in the field of dementia epidemiology and the mental health of older people. Prior to this, she completed a PhD in psychiatric epidemiology and an MSc in child and adolescent mental health at UCL. Jean completed the Young Leaders Development Programme (2022-2023), and has a particular interest in the impact of climate change on health, including cognitive and mental health. As part of the YLDP, Jean co-organised several 'Postcards To Our Future' craftivism workshops, funded by the 2050x Fund, which brought together participants from around Scotland to craft their visions for the future of Scotland, with a focus on climate change. Outside of work, Jean enjoys going to see live music, playing piano, reading and yoga.

**Manas Disoriya**
Manus is currently working as a Paralegal at Cycle Law Scotland. He have a Master's degree in Energy and Environmental Law from the University of Aberdeen. Manus participated in the Young Leaders Development Program 2022-2023 and has been a member of the 2050 network since. Manus believes *in finding what you would die for and then living for it. For me, that's saving our Mother Nature.*

Our Climate Action Leadership Programme (CALP)

**Jill Bunyan Co-Chair of CALP**
Jill works as a Clyde Marine Planning Partnership Officer and is based at NatureScot. She is working to deliver the first Clyde Regional Marine Plan which aims to balance environmental protection, economic and social growth, and sustainable development in the Clyde region.. She has a degree in Law from Strathclyde and a Masters in International Environmental and Climate Change Law from Edinburgh. Outside of work, Jill enjoys reading, watching rugby, cooking, hiking, and going to the theatre.

**Abi Gardner**
Abi is an ecological scientist working in policy 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 participation and empowerment. Abi completed the 2019/20 YLDP, joining as an Operational Volunteer since.

**Bella Manning**
Bella is a performance maker and creative. They have a degree in Drama and Creative Writing and are now pursuing their masters in Theatre and Performance Practices. In their theatre practice, they are currently exploring human relationships with nature. Bella is dedicated to developing the connections between the arts and environmental fields to address the climate crisis as she believes the arts can be an incredibly valuable tool for celebrating the natural world, evoking hope, and inspiring action. In her free time, she loves being in nature, horse riding, dancing, practising yoga, and learning.

**Ella Venermo**
Ella is a BSc Sociology and MSc Environment, Culture and Society graduate. She holds a particular interest in the relationships between people and environment, and the many ways in which we connect to the world around us, both practically and creatively. Having worked in many people-based roles, she is passionate about community engagement. In her free time, Ella enjoys being out in nature, gardening and yoga.

**Emily Foster**
Having completed her undergraduate degree in Geography, Emily is now working towards her masters in Science Communication and Public Engagement at the University of Edinburgh. She does a lot of research around Scotland’s Climate Change Plan and it’s impact on local communities. She also works part-time as a graduate hydraulic modeller. Outside of work, Emily is interested in sports, such as netball and enjoys painting.

**Kylie Kay**
Kylie is a Communications Officer working for a Scottish regeneration non-profit. She has a Masters in Environment, Culture and Society, and loves working with communities to move towards a more climate resilient future.

**Nick Hawkes**
Nick works in campaigns and communications for one of the UK's largest nature coalitions. He has worked on actions related to land management, climate and nature policy, water pollution and species conservation and led RSPB Scotland's campaigns work at COP26. He joined the CALP team as a volunteer in 2024 after completing the Young Leaders Development Programme in 2023.

**Lottie van Grieken**
Lottie is a Senior Campaigns Officer for SAMH, having previously worked for the RSPB in campaigns and project roles, including coordinating the RSPBs involvement in COP26. She also has experience working in a variety of other NGOs and is passionate about tackling the nature and climate crisis and contributing to a fairer world. Lottie completed the YLDP in 2023 and joined as a volunteer in 2024.

**Rebecca Mackay**
Rebecca spent the last three months of 2023 in Mexico, travelling around, eating some good food and learning about the plants. She graduated from college in June 2023 with a HND in Horticulture. Pre-pandemic Rebecca was a dog walker which was a great career but am now exploring the world of horticulture.

Our Policy Team

**Izi Robe // Co-Chair of Policy**
Izi works at the University of Edinburgh delivering operations and communications for climate research and partnerships. Prior to joining the University of Edinburgh, she worked as Sustainability Officer on an award winning waste reduction and climate change engagement project at Edinburgh College Students’ Association. She has worked in student representation in multiple higher education institutions, alongside volunteering with climate change organisations across Edinburgh, including completing the YLDP in 22/23. In her spare time she loves reading and finding joy in trying to learn gardening!

**Molly Coyle** **// Co-Chair of Policy**
Molly is a PhD student at the University of Glasgow. Her research takes an intersectional approach to improving working-class diversity and inclusion in environmentalism in the UK. Prior to this she completed her MRes in Public Policy Research with a focus on Community-Led Climate Action in Scotland. Molly completed the Young Leaders Development Programme (2022-2023) and carried out a collage-making activity to encourage people to talk about climate change in a more open and accessible space.

**Abi McLean**
Abi has a background in Marine Biology & Conservation from the University of Stirling and the University of Aberdeen. They are currently completing their master’s degree in Public Policy back at Stirling, and working towards a job within environmental, climate change or social policy areas once graduated. As Co-Chair of the Policy Sub-Group, and newly representing 2050 Climate Group within the Marine Litter Strategy Steering Group: they are keen to address marine-related policy aspects within the Policy Sub-Group whilst also helping with other targetted issues.

**Elspeth Nicholson**
Elspeth works in the public sector where she helps universities and colleges reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change and act more sustainably. She completed the YLDP in 2022-23. Outside of work she likes walks in graveyards, baking sourdough and listening to Taylor Swift.

**Eneyi Oshi**
Eneyi is a MasterCard Foundation Scholar currently pursuing a Master's degree in Food Security at the University of Edinburgh. Dedicated to deepening her understanding of global food systems, she explores solutions to address the challenges of climate change and food insecurity. As the Co-founder of Agrisiti, Eneyi is passionate about empowering young people to embrace agriculture and drive sustainable food production in Nigeria. Eneyi also seeks to empower young people to become advocates for environmental protection and climate action, amplifying their voices in the climate change sector. She is committed to creating a brighter, more sustainable future.

**Gabriel Sanson Gomez**
Gabriel is a researcher in the New Economy team of Generation Climate Europe (GCE), the largest coalition of youth-led climate initiatives at the European level. With his insights from this role, and empowered by the tools gained as YLDP graduate, he wants to bring discussions of rethinking economics beyond growth into Scottish political discourse, and draw stronger links between European climate movements and the Scottish climate space. He is entering his final year of his International Relations MA program at the University of Edinburgh, and joined the policy subgroup in 2024.

**Sarah Barnard**
Sarah works in the University of Edinburgh's Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability, supporting operations and governance arrangements. Her background is in the book industry and she's not lost the reading habit, though it's more committee papers than bestsellers these days. She is particularly interested in public transport and active travel policy. In her spare time she likes to plan long distance walking routes which are accessible by train or bus.

**Thembi Chihambakwe**
Thembi is an Offshore Development Graduate for ScottishPower Renewables where she works on consenting for Offshore wind energy projects in Scotland, England and mainland Europe. She has a degree in Environment and Development from the London School of Economics and also studied Environmental Science, Policy and Management at UC Berkeley in California with a focus on energy policy and economics. Thembi is particularly interested in environmental philosophy, international environmental politics and political ecology. She loves cooking, rock climbing and producing electronic music in her spare time.

Our Staff Team

Our staff team are responsible for the day-to-day running of 2050 Climate Group. To get in touch with them, use [firstname].[lastname]@2050.scot or contact@2050.scot.