11. Fighting Climate Change and the Patriarchy Together

Katie Swan-Nelson works on climate and development policy at United Nations Trade and Development. She was appointed as a Commissioner on the Scottish Government's Just Transition Commission in 2022. Prior to joining the UN, she worked in academia and civil society, including at Oxfam, ActionAid and Boston University’s Global Development Policy Centre and was previously Convenor of the Scottish Women's Budget Group. Katie holds degrees from Harvard University and SOAS University of London. Katie comes from Coatbridge, Scotland. 

Zarina Ahmad is a climate justice advocate specialising in race equality and environmental policy. She has worked with the Council for Ethnic Minority Voluntary Organisations (CEMVO Scotland) as Climate Change and Environment Officer, supporting minority ethnic communities to engage with climate action and policy. Her work focuses on increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in environmental movements and policymaking. She has contributed to Scottish Parliament inquiries and helped expand access to climate funding for minority ethnic organisations. Zarina is also a researcher and educator working at the intersection of climate justice, social justice and community-led change.