The Centre for Climate Engagement (CCE) at Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Paul Jefferiss as Director. Paul brings over 30 years of leadership, advisory and teaching experience in climate, sustainability, conservation and energy transitions across the private sector, NGOs, government and academia.
Currently, Paul serves as Chair of the Greater Southeast Net Zero Hub and Climate Explorers and is a Partner at Natural Carbon Capital. Until recently he worked as Senior Adviser on Strategy and Innovation to the Carbon Trust, further cementing his reputation as a key figure in advancing climate and sustainability initiatives.
Paul’s distinguished career began in the 1990s with an MA in Environmental Policy from Tufts University, specialising in economics. He lectured on Environmental Management for UNEP at Tufts and tutored in Environmental Science and Public Policy at Harvard before taking on key roles, including Director of Energy at the Union of Concerned Scientists, Head of Policy for the RSPB, Executive Director of the Green Alliance and Head of Sustainability Policy and Stakeholder Relations at bp.
Paul has advised the UK, US and EU governments on energy and climate policy, including in relation to the Kyoto climate COP, the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development and the 2005 G7 Gleneagles Summit, and contributed to key initiatives like the 2001 Cabinet Office Review of Energy. He has served on the boards of the Renewable Fuels Agency and the Carbon Trust and provided expert testimony to over a dozen Parliamentary Committee and Royal Commission inquiries. He has also sat on a number of boards in the charitable and not for profit sectors, including the National Energy Foundation, the SITA Trust and the European Environmental Bureau.
Sir Laurie Bristow, President of Hughes Hall, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Paul to the team. His vast experience and leadership make him the ideal person to guide the Centre for Climate Engagement into its next phase of development. Paul’s expertise will be invaluable in driving meaningful climate action at local, national and international levels.”
Dr Paul Jefferiss said:
“I’m honoured to join the Centre for Climate Engagement at such a critical time for climate action. The challenges we face require deep collaboration between academia, policymakers and business leaders, and I look forward to building on the Centre’s exceptional work. This role presents an exciting opportunity to bridge research with real-world impact and drive progress towards a sustainable future.”
To learn more about the CCE, please read the latest newsletter featuring groundbreaking research in climate, law, and governance alongside fresh insights and expert briefings to inspire climate action.
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