Reflections on a year of study - Katherine Greene

Katherine Greene (right) and Sari Ohsada (left). CMF scholars pictured at the House of Lords for the Canada UK chamber annual luncheon with special Speaker High commissioner Ralph Goodale.

After having submitted my dissertation almost a month ago now, I have been able to take some time to reflect on the incredible academic year that has now come to a close.

 It has been a stimulating year to say the least as I traded the small university town feeling of Kingston, Ontario in my undergraduate degree for the buzz and hustle and bustle of London, England. Nicknamed the greenest city in the UK, I’ve made my best efforts to stay true to my roots and love for nature by exploring many of London’s greenspaces, small and large, from local parklets to Kew Garden, Hampstead Heath, Battersea Park, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and many others.

 Seeking out greenspace also connects well with the topic of my master’s dissertation which focused on evaluating the contribution of ecosystem-based adaptation, a subset of nature-based solutions which includes green infrastructure and sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS), in building resilience against flood risk in London. London is vulnerable to six forms of flooding: tidal, fluvial, surface water, sewer, groundwater, and reservoir which makes it a unique case study for evaluating flood risk and resilience.

The dissertation process was both challenging and exciting as the first formal and individual research project I have undertaken. I conducted interviews with a variety of professionals from academia and both the public and private sectors. These conversations were particularly fruitful, and it was an exciting opportunity to engage with individuals who are similarly concerned by the increasing frequent and severe threats of floods, particularly in urban environments, and who take a particular interest in climate change adaptation – climate change mitigation’s “little sister”.

My main findings demonstrated that ecosystem-based approaches to mitigating urban flood risk to date in London contribute to resilience in a limited capacity. This is primarily due to constraints on resources, financial and labour/skills, uncertainty and fragmented governance. The resilience framework which I created to evaluate the contribution of ecosystem-based adaptation interventions may contribute further to the climate adaptation space and in continuing to build London’s resilience to climate risks with application to other climate stresses including heat and drought.

I am now looking forward to continuing my time in London as a consultant with the Temple Group, a UK-based environmental consultancy working on socio-economic assessments and ecosystem services, natural capital and ecology. My work will focus on harmonizing socio-economic and social value priorities with environmental and ecological ones. In the upcoming year I look forward to applying what I have learnt during the LSE Masters in environmental policy, pursuing my interests in nature-based approaches to climate and resilience, and continuing to foster the education exchange and legacy of Canadians and Brits. London has proven to be a stimulating city to engage with as a student and I look forward to exploring London from a new perspective as a young professional.

 I am endlessly grateful to the CMF, the Canada-UK Foundation and its many donors for enabling this once in a lifetime academic, professional and personal experience. Without your support, I would not be where I am today. Thank you, merci! And to any Canadians interested in pursuing master’s studies in the UK or Brits drawn to postgraduate studies in Canada, I cannot encourage studying abroad enough and am happy to answer any questions or ease any concerns you may have. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!