Irene Ferrara

Hey there! My name’s Irene and I’m a passionate food systems transformations advocate from Italy. With a deep commitment to understanding and addressing the complexities of climate change, I am particularly interested in how science and policy can enable effective climate action and foster sustainability and resilience within the agrifood sector, ensuring global food security and a just and equitable transition for all food systems actors.

I hold a MSc in Environmental Sciences from the University of East Anglia (which is home to the HQ of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research), possess hands-on experience as a sustainability consultant, and currently work as a Food & Climate Policy expert. I perform landscape and policy scans on agricultural policies and food sector regulations, as well as conduct research on broader agrifood systems transformations topics, including climate mitigation and adaptation, innovation in agritech and food technology, nutrition-sensitive environmental policies, and climate finance. Additionally, I am co-developing an app aimed at fostering critical thinking and positive behavioural change among consumers, by educating them on the impact of food value chains and promoting sustainable food consumption habits.

Since my teenage years, I have been involved in several advocacy initiatives, including organising environmental awareness campaigns and fostering youth engagement and climate action in my local community. In 2019, I attended the first ever European Fridays For Future summit (SMILE for Future) in Switzerland as part of the Italian Delegation and just last October I had the opportunity to volunteer at the World Food Forum Flagship event at the FAO HQ in Rome.
Driven by strong passion and beliefs, I very much stand by Gandhi’s words: “Be the change you wish to see in the world”.

As an Act4Food Youth Leader, I look forward to the opportunity to enhance collaboration and action towards achieving the SDGs and creating more resilient, sustainable, and just food systems worldwide.