​A Personal Connection to Climate 

What first sparked your interest in urban conservation and climate action?
Urban areas face issues like pollution, habitat loss, and climate impacts, making the need for conservation and sustainable practices more urgent. Growing up in a metropolitan region, I saw and experienced these issues first-hand. I started studying in the environmental field to make positive change for both people and nature and was surprised to hear frequent messaging separating people from nature and separating cities from biodiversity.  It is a manufactured premise that cities and people are separate from nature and that ‘nature’ is mainly found in only rural and wild unpopulated places.  I found this to be a strange concept since humans have been coexisting with nature all over the planet for millennia.  We often overlook the fact that humanity is not separate from nature, but fundamentally a part of it.
I see my work as a way to rewrite this concept, highlighting the socio-ecological systems of urban regions and how cities play an incredibly significant role in climate solutions across the planet. We cannot protect nature without considering how people interact with it and how it affects their livelihoods. These things are inextricably linked. My career path mirrors my values and beliefs. By training, I am an engineer, a scientist, a planner and designer, but have woven in the fields of public health, equity, economics, and policy into my sustainability and climate focused career.  In my practice, caring for the earth means caring for its people.  I’ve never seen these two things as separate, yet it is too often taught and framed that way.  
An interesting aspect to my work is the recognition that cities are major contributors to environmental challenges yet are also critical spaces for leading innovative climate solutions.  My goal is to help others re-imagine the connections between people, climate, and ecology, using the tools of science and putting actions into practice through partnerships at the local to global scale.  Climate action in cities can lead to improved air quality, better public health, and more resilient infrastructure – addressing both environmental and social issues.  I am a firm believer in both/and approaches to climate solutions instead of the limiting belief that solutions need to be either/or.  I’ve been fortunate to imagine and help create pathways for more environmental work to exist in these both/and spaces, proving that we can simultaneously improve both ecological and social outcomes, celebrating that we do not need to choose one over the other.  

Has your experience working at the intersection of urbanism, ecology, and public engagement shaped how you approach climate challenges? 
The crises of biodiversity loss and climate change are interlocked and cascading and it’s clear we cannot continue to only focus on one type of solution for one type of outcome.  As an inter-disciplinarian, I have developed a holistic view, recognizing that solving climate challenges requires not just top-down policy changes but also community driven solutions. Practical solutions require many perspectives and working across sectors. I find that too often, we still silo our thinking and practices within one sector or one discipline which prevents breakthroughs from happening at the pace needed. With an intersectional approach, climate action isn’t just about reducing emissions or preserving green spaces; it’s also about creating systems that empower people, foster collaboration, and ensure resilience in the face of climate impacts. It’s about finding ways to make cities more livable, sustainable, and equitable for everyone.

What does being a climate leader in urban sustainability mean to you?
To me, being a climate leader is about building bridges. It’s about seeing beyond one single issue, beyond a single sector need, and helping others to make connections between seemingly disparate paths to move more quickly in a shared direction towards positive outcomes. It means taking proactive, innovative, and inclusive steps to make cities and towns more resilient, livable, and environmentally responsible. This requires strong partnerships, thinking creatively, and investing in solutions that reduce the environmental footprint of cities across the world. It involves not only addressing the immediate impacts of climate change, such as pollution, rising temperatures, and resource depletion, but also creating long-term solutions that balance ecological health with social and economic needs. I think about climate change as systems change, uncovering new ways we can show up to meet the interlinked challenges of the moment. 
 
Climate Work & Initiatives 

Can you share a project at The Nature Conservancy that excites you the most?
There are too many to choose from! I’m excited by projects that demonstrate how nature-based solutions can address multiple urban challenges such as climate resilience, public health, and social needs, all at the same time while contributing to biodiversity goals.  I’m also a fan of projects that feature holistic, community-centered approaches that make our planet more resilient to the climate challenges ahead.  Projects that exemplify how nature can be integrated into municipal, state, and national planning to improve quality of life and support biodiversity in urban, rural, and coastal areas are also inspiring.  I’m honored to serve on a leadership team at TNC that is developing guidance for the organization’s first ever set of people centered impact metrics for conservation projects across the world.  It is challenging because a precedent does not exist at this scale, but it is incredibly necessary to understand what impacts our environmental work is having in locations connected to people across geographies.  We are co-creating this process among dozens of countries and I’m hopeful that the outcomes influence the growth of more socio-ecological centered work, that both/and approach, within our organization and beyond.  

Hopes & Fears for the Future 

What’s your biggest hope for the future of urban resilience and climate adaptation? 
I have many hopes but one is that urban resilience and climate adaptation become embedded in everyday decision-making, not just crisis response. I’d like to see cities, towns, and villages continue to evolve in ways that are interconnected and anticipate challenges — especially for communities most at risk – and have the support they need to achieve their climate mitigation and adaptation goals.  I envision cities where resilience isn’t just about bouncing back but about building forward with social and ecological systems that are adaptive and regenerative. This is a world where places are designed to thrive in a changing climate, where infrastructure, policies, and communities work together to mitigate risks, protect ecosystems, and ensure the well-being of all residents, especially the most vulnerable.  I’m hopeful we can continue to evolve where urban resilience is seen as a requirement for healthy ecosystems and not just about surviving climate change but about thriving in a way that enhances quality of life for all people while protecting the planet. This vision includes a future where local communities have a central role in shaping climate action, with residents empowered to participate in decision-making processes and collaborate in building solutions that reflect their needs.  

What’s a common misconception about nature-based solutions (NbS) that you wish more people understood? 
Climate change poses a fundamental threat to nature and people. However, nature also provides key solutions for both carbon storage and building climate resilience.  Nature-based solutions (NbS) for both mitigation and adaptation serve as an integral piece of the required global response for climate action. A common misconception about nature-based solutions is that they are simply “green” or aesthetic improvements, like planting trees or creating parks, without understanding their full potential to address complex environmental and climate challenges. Many people view them as an add-on or secondary solution, rather than an essential, integrated strategy that can tackle multiple climate and social issues simultaneously.
The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report demonstrated that nature-based solutions such as reducing the destruction of forests and other ecosystems, improving the management of agricultural lands, protecting coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, and growing healthy urban tree canopies in cities are among the most effective strategies for mitigating carbon emissions by 2030.  In fact, nature-based solutions (NbS) can contribute around a third of the global mitigation needed to reach the 1.5/2°C temperature rise goals agreed to under the Paris Agreement by 2030. Nature-based solutions can address climate change by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions related to deforestation and land use, capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and enhancing the resilience of ecosystems which helps communities adapt to climate hazards such as flooding, sea-level rise, and more frequent and intense droughts, floods, heatwaves, and wildfires.
Nature-based solutions are not just a “nice-to-have,” but a foundational, multifunctional and economical strategy that can help address pressing climate and environmental issues in a holistic, sustainable way. NbS are powerful tools that can advance urban resilience, provide cost-effective climate mitigation, deliver social and economic benefits, and benefit biodiversity and ecosystem services. Globally, we can take stronger steps to protect, restore, and better manage our natural resources across the entire urban to rural spectrum, for the benefit of all people. 
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Offerings 

Are there any books, organizations, or thought leaders that you recommend to students interested in NbS? 
There are many great organizations advancing nature-based solutions, too many to list, but examples include the International Union for Conservation of Nature, The Nature Conservancy, Conservation International, C40 Cities, World Resources Institute, and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). 
The crises around us are interwoven; it’s clear we cannot continue to only focus on one type of solution for one type of outcome.  Likewise, we cannot continue to only read and connect with entities that are in our same fields and sectors.  I recommend expanding your viewpoints and seeking out events in fields you are less familiar with to balance the academic and professional perspectives we tend to be surrounded by day to day. For me, even though I am surrounded by climate science, design, and policy, I balance my learning by seeking out perspectives from artists, writers, and musicians.  Tamiko Beyer’s poem, “Equinox” and Ada Limón’s poem, “Instructions on Not Giving Up” are two pieces that I frequently return to for inspiration, hope, and energy. Reading books such as the "Colors of Nature" by Alison Deming and Lauret Savoy and "The Story is in Our Bones" by Osprey Orielle Lake can show how a wealth of perspectives is essential to envisioning and building a more livable future together. 

What advice would you give to students or professionals looking to work in urban climate solutions or conservation? 
The exciting thing about working in urban climate solutions and/or the conservation space is that there are so many entry points to connect with this work and make a difference.  To gain beneficial skill sets in these fields, I recommend embracing an interdisciplinary approach, whether in the coursework you take or in the teams you serve on.  Developing skills in multiple disciplines will give you a broader perspective and the ability to collaborate across sectors.  My variety of experiences and backgrounds make me a better problem solver and practitioner because I can understand needs and impacts from a breadth of viewpoints which helps build effective partnerships.  I also find it incredibly beneficial to have gained experience on the ground with a variety of communities but also at the city, state, national, and global levels.  It allows me to think and see with a multi-scaled systems approach when assessing potential solutions.  
Climate science and sustainability are rapidly evolving fields.  This requires continually staying up to date with the latest research and finding ways to engage with emerging ideas.  Don’t be afraid to try new ideas, pilot projects, and experiment with new technologies. Cities are great places for trying out new approaches and even small-scale initiatives can inspire broader systemic change.  If you are interested in natural climate solutions, visit the places that are implementing practical projects to mitigate and sequester carbon. Many people have never had the opportunity to visit mangroves, salt marshes, forests, or farms and these are some of the critical sequestration spots around the world.  
Be an advocate for sustainable cities and climate-positive design and planning, ideally integrated with nature-based solutions.  Most of what we value and rely on in life depends on nature: a stable climate, food security, our economy, culture and recreation. NbS can provide long-term positive benefits by providing climate change adaptation, mitigation, disaster risk reduction, food and water security, and improved health outcomes. Improved stewardship of the natural world can transform our societies for the better and help us tackle both the climate and biodiversity crises.  To advance these solutions and work in these fields, I recommend understanding the importance of policy frameworks at local, national, and international levels since effective climate action often requires strong policies and advocacy. Work towards influencing policy that supports urban climate solutions, nature-based strategies, and sustainability initiatives.  Listening to the people directly affected by climate change helps build trust and ensures that the solutions you propose are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially supported and beneficial.  When working on urban climate solutions and/or conservation projects, always consider the social and economic implications of your work. Aim to develop solutions that are inclusive, ensuring that communities benefit from climate action and that their voices are heard and integrated into decision-making processes.  

Finally, I believe that optimism is the attitude that changes the world and actively work on cultivating curiosity and optimism as part of my professional growth.  For those working on complex and challenging issues, I see these as essential skills that can help us stay open to new ideas, build momentum, and adapt to change.

Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed in this interview are my own and do not represent that of my workplace.

About Julie

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Julie Ulrich serves as a founding Director of Urban Conservation at The Nature Conservancy (TNC). She created one of the first urban conservation programs in the U.S. and helped develop TNC’s North America Cities Network, a national network of sustainability efforts across twenty-four cities. Julie has extensive experience in climate adaptation and sustainable planning and has worked at the intersection of urbanism, ecology, and the public for nearly two decades.  As an engineer, environmental designer, and scientist, her work highlights the interface between social and ecological resiliency, particularly in environments adapting to climate change.  A practitioner that bridges diverse fields, Julie leads multidisciplinary teams to advance resilient cities through intersectional climate solutions.  Prior to joining TNC, she worked in multi-sector roles to develop strategies and drive program implementation for innovative land and water management practices through participatory planning, cultivating partnerships, and collaborative knowledge sharing. Julie writes, speaks, and teaches widely on the interdependence of the built and natural environments, including at the University of Pennsylvania.  She serves on non-profit and advisory boards, is a Senior Fellow with the Environmental Leadership Program, and was named as one of Next City’s Vanguard. She has a B.S in Civil and Environmental Engineering, a Master of Urban and Environmental Planning degree from the University of Virginia’s School of Architecture and is a graduate of the Climate and Health Program at The Yale School of Public Health.