The Highland Council, Climate working group has been working hard throughout Covid to build a fantastic team, all ready to delve into new and exciting Climate Action projects in our communities. Here’s Katie’s story
My name is Katie Andrews, I am the new Climate Change Coordinator at the Highland Council. I am 24 years old and live in Inverness, the most beautiful city in Scotland in my opinion. On the weekends, I enjoy hiking and have recently started an Instagram page which documents my adventures around Scotland, give it a wee follow – @hi_lands. I have always loved the natural world and all it has to offer. When I was younger, I was taught it was important to protect and respect it. Living in Scotland allows you to experience the best of what nature has to offer. I feel fortunate to have grown up in the Highlands and been given the opportunity to explore the beauty which encompasses the region.
I studied Geography at the University of Aberdeen – anyone who knows me understands how passionate I am about Geography and the natural world. My undergraduate dissertation focussed on the vegetational history on the Isle of Mull and how rewilding can help restore the landscape. This study, along with other courses during my degree, developed my understanding of the importance of taking holistic action to tackle to climate and ecological crisis.
I am so excited about the opportunities I will have in the role of Climate Change Coordinator. I have worked hard to get to this position and feel very proud of this achievement at this stage of my career. This position will allow me to connect with communities and speak to people from all over the Highland region. I want to ensure that I am as approachable as possible and provide support to any individual, local community or project with a passion to take climate action.
The important thing to remember when mitigating and adapting to the climate and ecological emergency, it is a team effort and we need to work together to establish and embed real change. Through strong communications and transparency, we can help engage more people with this emergency, ensuring individuals and communities feel empowered to take action.