Our Board
Our board of trustees sets the strategic direction of the charity and is responsible for governance, finance and exploring new opportunities for the organisation.
To get in touch with one of our board members, email them using the format [firstname].[lastname]@2050.scot.
John Lowe // Chair
John works in ESG in the financial services industry, where he contributes towards integrating sustainability into business practices. He previously held roles focusing on the measurement of company performance against strategic aims. He has been involved with 2050 Climate Group since joining as a Trustee in 2021 and became Chair of the Board in 2023.
Emma Yule // Vice-Chair
Emma is completing a PhD in environmental and atmospheric sciences at Edinburgh University focused on extreme events and climate risk. She also works as a tutor on the Carbon Management Masters. Prior to this she has worked as a consultant and data analyst in the private sector and for an environmental NGO aiming to help companies reduce emissions. Emma is particularly interested in climate science and science communication as well as adaptation and how we can transition to a low-carbon economy in a fair and just way.
Robert McCall // Treasurer
Robert works at a financial institution where he has held roles in ESG and policy. He is currently training to be a Chartered Accountant and has held a number of external voluntary roles in the past. Robert lives in Edinburgh and holds a degree in Economics and Finance from the University of Edinburgh. He joined the board as treasurer in 2023.
Abhigyan Khargharia
Gyan currently works as the Active Travel Officer for NHS Glasgow, focusing on sustainable travel for NHS Staff, helping reduce transport emissions of Scotland's largest workforce. He moved to the UK from India in 2018 for higher studies, and has been with 2050 Climate group since 2019 - initially with the Leader's Network subgroup, before becoming a co-chair for the subgroup and then finally becoming a board member in 2024. He is passionate about community engagement and sustainable transport in Scotland. Academically Gyan comes from an engineering background and holds a master's degree in Sustainable Energy from the University of Glasgow, and a master's degree in Sustainability & climate change from the University of Dundee.
Alex Irwin
Alex is a solicitor specialising in clean energy. She works with renewable energy developers on onshore and offshore wind, solar and battery projects across Scotland. Alex also represents 2050 Climate Group on the Climate Emergency Response Group. She is currently chair of the finance and legal sub-group on the Board.
Caitlin MacInnes
Caitlin (They/She) has worked in the science communication and informal learning field since 2018, engaging communities with climate change topics (including at COP26!), the future of food and health! They are currently the STEM Development Lead at Dundee Science Centre, working with a wide range of audiences and communities to empower them and build their skillsets through science experiences. They completed the Young Leader Development Programme in 2023 and joined the Board of Trustees in 2024. Caitlin is a proud activist of LGBTQ+ and disability rights. Inclusion and representation is at the heart of everything they do.
Gianlorenzo De Santis
Gianlorenzo (Santo) is a chartered marketing professional with a decade of experience in sustainable agri-food innovation. He is currently working to improve the efficiency of the global grain value chain at Ag-tech robotic startup Crover Ltd. He is also a YLDP alumnus and and joined the 2050 Climate Group’s board in 2023.
Jakub Vrba
Jakub leads the energy access research portfolio at Energy Saving Trust, focusing on off-grid solar appliances deployed in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. He has been involved with 2050 Climate Group since 2017 after joining the Young Leaders Development Programme. Jakub is a Chartered Engineer and holds an MSc in Renewable Energy Systems & the Environment from the University of Strathclyde. He serves as Head of 2050 Climate Group for UNFCCC events including Conferences of Parties (COPs).
Kirsty Mitchell
Kirsty is a lawyer specialising in environmental and energy law, with a particular interest in climate change, ESG and sustainability. Kirsty has been involved with 2050 Climate Group since 2019 when she completed the Young Leaders Development Programme. Soon after, she joined the charity as an operational volunteer, forming part of the team responsible for delivering the programme. She became a Trustee in 2023. Prior to her involvement, Kirsty participated in sustainability-related volunteer projects in Latin America and New Zealand, and studied Law and French at the University of Edinburgh.
Leanne Atkinson
Leanne works as a Committee Specialist in environmental policy at the House of Commons. She has a background in psychology and a master's in global environmental politics from the University of Edinburgh, with previous work experience at the Environment Agency. Leanne lives in Edinburgh and when not working you can find her dancing salsa or somewhere outdoors. Leanne joined the Board in 2023.
Rachael Martin
Rachael has volunteered with 2050 Climate Group since 2016 after completing the pilot YLDP. She became Co-Chair of the YLDP subgroup from 2020-2022 following volunteering positions within the YLDP and Leaders Networks teams. Rachael works within the Circular Glasgow team at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce delivering projects that support the business community on their sustainability journey and empower people in green jobs. Previously a senior environmental consultant at Ramboll, she project managed environmental impact assessment (EIA) projects in the renewable energy sector. Rachael joined the Board as a Trustee in 2022 and was part of our COP26 Blue Zone delegation.
Rhona Kerr
Rhona works on Scotland's national fuel poverty and energy efficiency scheme, and is on their Net Zero Hero team to support the company's move to a more sustainable future both for their customers and themselves. She became actively engaged with the climate emergency discussions whilst studying at the University of Glasgow during COP26, and is always looking for ways to become more actively engaged in the climate discussion. When she is not working you will find her running off to the great outdoors to go camping or mountain climbing. Rhona joined the 2050 Climate Group's board in 2024.
Sally Allan
Sally is a Service Designer, specialising in human centred and sustainable design. Sally focuses on helping organisations see their services from a user perspective, balancing their business needs and challenging organisations to think differently about their carbon impact. Sally joined the 2050 climate group in 2022 and is part of the learning and development team, focusing on strategy. Sally has a MChem in Chemistry from the University of St Andrews and has worked on creating sustainable materials in various geographies around the world.