Chloé Pierre

What is your background?
For the past seven years, I have been involved in an environmental association that advocates for comprehensive education on global issues for young people, particularly in secondary schools. This is where I developed my awareness of environmental issues. I also pursued a BA in Political Science with a specialisation in international relations in France, and did an ERASMUS at the University of Jyväskylä in Central Finland.

Why did you choose the LUCAS programme?
I chose this program for its unique approach to climate issues and its multidisciplinary integration, which I believe is key to learning about such a broad topic. In addition, the combination of academic (writing a thesis) and professional (completing an internship) aspects was an added bonus for putting this knowledge into practice.

Finally, LUCSUS as a whole appealed to me because of the central role it gives to creativity and exchange, which I believe is crucial when addressing social issues.

What academic and personal skills have you gained?
I think this program is above all a human adventure, which has taught me a lot in terms of teamwork and listening to others. The exchange of ideas and experiences is at the heart of the program, and allows for a more systemic understanding of environmental impacts.

Academically, this program has taught me resilience. This training covers many elements, not only theoretical, but also sometimes with a significant emotional impact. You have to learn to navigate all of this with a variety of assignments. This gives you a very good idea of the range of subjects that await you in the professional work.

How would you describe the courses and the study environment?
The study environment is generally designed to foster this sense of community. We have a kitchen and shared work and relaxation areas that are accessible at all times. It's a real intellectual hub, but also a human one.

I receive unconditional support from my peers. Sharing our different backgrounds is extremely enriching and done with great kindness. The courses are varied and extremely rich. The teachers are all keen to hear our opinions and challenge our critical thinking. Most classes encourage sharing experiences and discussion. The professors are particularly attentive to our feedback on the modules, especially given that the program is new. It is truly designed to be horizontal, like a joint project between students and professors I really appreciate that the exams are very varied : professional impact studies, MOCK COP, academic papers, and direct oral examination with professors enable the mobilisation of numerous skills.

What advice would you give students starting the programme?
To new students, I would say to come with an open mind and heart. These studies are there to shake up certain representations of the world, and each encounter brings new ideas on a subject that we all experience in our own unique way, and that we must learn to bring together in a common project.

It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding adventure.Never doubt that you are here because you have something unique and personal to contribute to a group, first within the class, and then in the world.

What sustainability issue do you care mostly about?
As mentioned above, I am particularly sensitive to global educational issues. With regard to climate change specifically, I would say that I am very attentive to issues in the polar regions. It was a trip to Svalbard that made me discover a vocation for environmental action, as well as the beauty and complexity of these environments, both in terms of their ecosystems and geopolitics, which continues to fascinate me.

Finally, I am particularly interested in the issue of Non-Economic Loss and Damages (NELDs), and the issue of languages and cultures that are threatened by the climate crisis.

Describe LUCAS  in three words.
Federative, agency-building, connectivity.