Amy Campbell, UN Climate Adaptation Officer, runs to avert climate disaster starting in one of the most important ecosystems on Earth: Borneo’s tropical rainforests.
We are so proud to back Amy Campbell to run in the 2026 London Marathon. Amy isn’t just local to our Cornwall (UK) office, but a crucial part of the conservation community too. For Amy, it isn’t just about running or raising money, it’s about raising awareness of the most important issue facing people today: the climate crisis.
Amy, please introduce yourself.
I grew up in Cornwall and studied geography, which led me to career in international climate policy. I started out working for the UK Government in a variety of climate policy roles until I was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study international climate change at Columbia University. I specialised in climate adaption and disaster, looking at how we can best respond and support vulnerable countries that are facing the brunt of climate damage, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. I’m currently working the Office of the UN Secretary General which is fantastic.
Why climate adaptation?
I believe the climate crisis is the single most pressing and urgent issue of our lifetime. I’m focused on disaster and adaptation, accepting the unavoidable damage, especially to the most vulnerable communities, and working out how to build back better.
Why do you run?
I think, firstly, mental health—it’s something that I’ve always struggled with. Whenever I’ve had a bout of depression or climate anxiety, I always feel better after running. I have more perspective; it helps me clear my mind, look inwards and feel a lot of gratitude about what I have. And I’ve always been a runner—I started running when I was 11, and I just get so much energy from long distance running. I love the endorphins.
Why are you running for us?
I massively believe in the cause. The rainforest is one of the most important areas of nature to protect. I think rainforest is a really pertinent example of how nature is incredibly interconnected; how one area of nature massively impacts others.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve run?
Maybe a slightly left field answer, but the UAE. COP28 was held there and, during the climate conference, you have one rest day. I went into the desert and I had one of the most horrific (but quick) runs on sand, it felt like running through treacle!
Anything else you want to share with our audience?
As everyone reading this will be acutely aware, it’s a very difficult time for conservation. With the geopolitical headwinds against us at large, I think supporting lawyers and advocacy is one of the best routes we have right now. Supporting those who are really in these conversations, those who are actively helping to protect the rainforest. I want to remind myself and others in climate or conservation not to be too hard on ourselves, and to recognise what our sphere of influences are, and to find the people who already have momentum.
I think hope after resignation is helpful in the climate space—and I say resignation in the sense that I’ve accepted the climate science and the data that we have. We know that there are a lot of disasters coming and there’s a lot of very vulnerable countries that are going to continue to be affected; that’s why I’m so passionate about organisations like Borneo Nature Foundation that are committed to working with communities, protecting biodiversity and restoring vital ecosystems.
We’re going to hear more from Amy over the next few months, with updates shared here and on our Instagram. Now is the time to donate, to back Amy during her training to fuel that 26.3 mile London Marathon run this April.
