Sharing knowledge and broadening horizons: working together towards net zero
In an interview with Nicole Pfefferle, alumna of the CAS ETH in Climate Innovation, we talk about her experiences on the continuing education programme. She returned from Tajikistan after six years working in the field of international cooperation and then took part in the CAS at ETH. What motivated her to attend the programme? And what does she take away from the inspiring encounters at ETH Zurich for her work as a consultant in the field of climate change?
Interview with Nicole Pfefferle, Alumna of the CAS ETH in Climate Innovation
School for Continuing Education: What is your (professional) background, what is unique in your work?
Nicole Pfefferle: I work in international development cooperation as a climate change advisor. My journey began with a degree in Environmental Studies focusing on disaster risk management in Sweden, which led me to Nepal, where I worked on ecosystem-based adaptation. From there, I moved across the Himalayas to Tajikistan, where I spent six years addressing climate challenges in Central Asia.
Currently, I split my time between the locally-led consultancy, external page Risha Solutions, which I co-founded with colleagues from Afghanistan and Tajikistan, and my role as a climate change advisor at the Swiss NGO, external page Swisscontact. My involvement with Risha Solutions allows me to stay engaged with a region that has become very dear to me. The mountainous landscapes of Central Asia are acutely affected by climate change, with glacier melt and shifting weather patterns posing significant challenges to both people and ecosystems. At Swisscontact, I work on projects ranging from soil carbon sequestration in Cambodia and green urban development in Bolivia to landscape management in the Amazon, agricultural resilience in Uganda, and climate-resilient development in Eastern Europe. These experiences have reinforced the understanding that climate change impacts are deeply interconnected across continents and levels of development. It's no longer about simply transferring knowledge, but about fostering mutual learning and collaboration. For example, the climate challenges in my home canton of Valais are remarkably similar to those faced in many countries where we operate, although the consequences for people’s livelihoods are vastly different. This highlights the need for shared solutions to addressing climate change.
How has your background lead you to the CAS ETH in Climate Innovation?
Returning to Switzerland, I sought a new challenge and the chance to connect with people in and around Zurich. Although my work primarily takes place abroad, whether virtually to minimize CO2 emissions or on-site, I wanted to better understand the state of climate solutions in Switzerland, particularly at ETH Zurich. I also felt a strong desire to engage more deeply with what is happening in my own country and to contribute to a Net Zero future in Switzerland.
Above all, I wanted to pause, reflect, and deepen my understanding of how humanity has arrived at this critical juncture. The CAS ETH in Climate Innovation offered an opportunity to do just that. It allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals from diverse sectors who are also grappling with how we can move forward in a positive direction – not by chasing the illusion of green growth or relying solely on technological innovation to solve climate change, but by critically examining the status quo and exploring transformative pathways.
Nicole Pfefferle
- MSc in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science in Lund, Sweden
- Travelling by bike whenever possible, often in the mountains, passionate gardener
- Six years working in Tajikistan for the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Risha Solutions
- Currently working as a climate change consultant for the Swiss NGO Swisscontact and in the co-founded consulting company Risha Solutions
What did it mean for you to attend continuing education at ETH? Who or what has particularly inspired you?
The programme allowed me to deepen my understanding of current climate solutions and innovations from a technical perspective. ETH, as a leading research institution, stands at the forefront of these developments, and it was inspiring to engage with this wealth of knowledge. A highlight for me was meeting Professor Sonia I. Seneviratne, the Swiss lead author for the last two IPCC assessment reports. I have followed her research for some time and greatly admire her ability to communicate complex climate risks to the Swiss public effectively.
What expectations did you start with your continuing education at ETH?
I began the programme with the hope of meeting and connecting with people who are as passionate as I am about tackling climate change. I was eager to engage in meaningful discussions, not only to better understand the challenges we face but also to collaboratively explore solutions. Working in the field of climate change, particularly in the Global South, I am often confronted with issues of injustice and inequity. It is disheartening to see that those who have contributed the least to climate change are often the ones who suffer the most. I hoped that this programme would offer a space to step back from the constant barrage of challenges and to look ahead, focusing on positive actions and innovative solutions. My expectations were to find a supportive community of professionals dedicated to rethinking the status quo and striving towards a fair and sustainable future – and I found just that.
“The course provided a space to pause and reflect on how we reached this point in the climate crisis, while inspiring hope and renewing optimism through actionable solutions and a supportive cohort ready to tackle these challenges together for a future worth living.”Nicole Pfefferle, Alumna CAS ETH in Climate Innovation
What was most impressive or surprising for you in this course?
Another highlight of the programme was visiting the Waste to Energy plant by Limeco in Dietikon, showcasing how innovative solutions can tackle climate challenges locally. Generally, however, the programme focused less on technology that I had initially expected from ETH. This in turn underscored a critical realization: the climate crisis cannot be solved by technology alone. It requires a profound transformation in the way we live, how we define a good life, and a re-evaluation of our value systems. Working as a climate change advisor across different regions, I’ve often seen firsthand that technological solutions, while crucial, must be paired with systemic changes in policy, societal behavior, and economic structures.
The course at ETH emphasized the need to address the underlying issues driving climate change, such as unsustainable consumption patterns and inequitable resource distribution. This broader perspective resonated with my experiences in countries like Tajikistan, where local communities are on the frontlines of climate impacts but often lack the resources and support to implement solutions. The programme reinforced my belief that we need a holistic approach, integrating technological advances with social and cultural shifts, to create sustainable and equitable climate solutions.
How have peers and lecturers inspired you? What contacts will you take away from the CAS ETH in Climate Innovation?
The diversity of the CAS cohort was a key highlight of the program. Engaging with professionals from various sectors, such as insurance, financial management, and Swiss public policy, enriched my perspective on integrating climate resilience into different industries and governance systems. Conversations with students from the financial sector offered insights into innovative financing mechanisms for supporting climate adaptation in vulnerable regions, while discussions with those in government showed the complexities of implementing effective climate policies. The network I built during the programme remains a valuable resource, as we share research, events, and professional opportunities, paving the way for future collaborations toward a more sustainable and resilient world.
To what extent have you experienced moments through or with your peers, in which you have advanced yourself or others?
The programme provided numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth, particularly through the focus on climate communication. Effective communication is essential, especially in a country like Switzerland, where the impacts of climate change are visible, yet public and political responses are often cautious and slow. Learning how to effectively communicate the urgency of the climate crisis to drive meaningful action has been one of the most valuable aspects of the course.
In Switzerland, despite the increasing evidence of climate change, there's still a long way to go in garnering broad support for decisive action. The programme taught me how to frame climate issues in ways that resonate with different audiences, making the challenges more relatable and the solutions more accessible. This has become especially relevant in my work, whether I'm engaging with local communities, policymakers, or international partners. The ability to convey complex information in a compelling and empathetic manner is essential to building a coalition for change, and I’m now better equipped to contribute to this critical dialogue.
Further informationen about the CAS ETH in Climate Innovation
- Detailed view of the CAS ETH in Climate Innovation
- Website programme
- The application period is still open until 30 November 2024