Natalie Jones
Field: Law and Policy
Position & Organization: PhD Student at the University of Cambridge, and Research Affiliate at CSER
How did you get started in this field? I’ve been involved in various activities to mitigate the existential risk of climate change since 2013. I originally became engaged in youth activism and advocacy, and then policy work. More recently, at Cambridge I got involved in leading a research project on representing future generations in policymaking through Future of Sentience, a student society affiliated with CSER. That led to a lot of interesting work, including starting and running an All-Party Parliamentary Group for Future Generations in the UK Parliament, and becoming an affiliate of CSER.
What do you like about your work? The other people working in this field are so fiercely intelligent and capable. It’s hard not to have a conversation which leaves you with a perspective or idea you hadn’t thought of before. This, and the knowledge that one is doing useful and important work, combine to make it very rewarding.
What do you not like about your work? Worrying about things like insect loss (and other scary things that could kill us all). Then again, I’d probably be doing that regardless of what field I was working in, and doing something about it is better than not.
Do you have any advice for women who want to enter this field? Go for it! There is a place for you. This field is male-heavy, but don’t be put off. Remember that you have a valuable perspective and something to say.
What makes you hopeful for the future? On climate, the prospect of a Green New Deal, Extinction Rebellion, and global school strikes. On other existential risks, the brilliant community working to mitigate these risks.
