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Listen "Leading EU Climate Action: Insights from Kurt Vandenberghe, DG CLIMA Chief"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode, Sevim Aktas talks with Kurt Vandenberghe, Director General of DG CLIMA and former EU Green Deal advisor to President von der Leyen. 🌍✨
Kurt shares a behind-the-scenes look at EU climate policy, its challenges, and what’s next for the Green Deal. He also reflects on his unconventional career path—from philology to climate leadership—and offers practical tips for young professionals pursuing sustainability and policymaking.
Key Highlights:
👉🏽 From Philology to Climate Leadership – Kurt’s career path and what it takes to make an impact in EU policy.
👉🏽 Behind the Green Deal – Insights into the evolution of EU climate policy and lessons learned during crises like COVID-19 and Ukraine.
👉🏽 Future Focus: Circular Economy – Why production and consumption patterns must change to meet emission targets.
👉🏽 Career Advice for Changemakers – How to stand out in climate policy jobs, build networks, and drive real impact.
Chapters:
00:00:01 – Introduction and Role of Director General
00:03:44 – Career Development and Climate Focus
00:08:35 – European Green Deal Evolution
00:13:24 – Future Outlook and Elections
00:20:08 – Practical Implementation and Career Advice
Guest Links:
🔗 Connect with Kurt: Kurt Vandenberghe | LinkedIn
🔗 EU Climate Careers: ec.europa.eu/climate/jobs
🔗 Recommended Book: Delivering a Climate Neutral Europe by Jos Delbeke
Engagement Links:
🌱 Follow us on Instagram 🌍✨
⭐️ Rate & review the podcast on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 🎧⭐️
🎧 Share this episode with fellow sustainability advocates and young professionals!
The views expressed on this podcast are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission.
This podcast was edited by Puck Wagemaker.
Kurt shares a behind-the-scenes look at EU climate policy, its challenges, and what’s next for the Green Deal. He also reflects on his unconventional career path—from philology to climate leadership—and offers practical tips for young professionals pursuing sustainability and policymaking.
Key Highlights:
👉🏽 From Philology to Climate Leadership – Kurt’s career path and what it takes to make an impact in EU policy.
👉🏽 Behind the Green Deal – Insights into the evolution of EU climate policy and lessons learned during crises like COVID-19 and Ukraine.
👉🏽 Future Focus: Circular Economy – Why production and consumption patterns must change to meet emission targets.
👉🏽 Career Advice for Changemakers – How to stand out in climate policy jobs, build networks, and drive real impact.
Chapters:
00:00:01 – Introduction and Role of Director General
00:03:44 – Career Development and Climate Focus
00:08:35 – European Green Deal Evolution
00:13:24 – Future Outlook and Elections
00:20:08 – Practical Implementation and Career Advice
Guest Links:
🔗 Connect with Kurt: Kurt Vandenberghe | LinkedIn
🔗 EU Climate Careers: ec.europa.eu/climate/jobs
🔗 Recommended Book: Delivering a Climate Neutral Europe by Jos Delbeke
Engagement Links:
🌱 Follow us on Instagram 🌍✨
⭐️ Rate & review the podcast on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 🎧⭐️
🎧 Share this episode with fellow sustainability advocates and young professionals!
The views expressed on this podcast are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission.
This podcast was edited by Puck Wagemaker.
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