Every week Act on Climate will highlight a leader in the climate space and how they got involved in the space.

Today we are introducing Climate Leader Intissar Hafsi from Tunisia

Journey into Environmental Advocacy From Grassroots Activism to International Policy Where Passion Meets Purpose

My journey into environmental advocacy didn't begin in a boardroom or a policy institute, it started with a simple conviction that we could do better for our planet. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Protection and driven by an unwavering passion for sustainability, I took my first step by founding the first environmental club at my university. What began as awareness-raising sessions among fellow students became the foundation of a career dedicated to environmental action and climate justice. Building from the Ground Up The early days were about education and mobilization. At Amideast, I expanded this grassroots movement, organizing campaigns to raise awareness about environmental issues and practical protection strategies. But I knew that awareness alone wasn't enough we needed action, systems, and sustainable solutions. This realization led me to AIESEC Tunisia, where I focused on waste management initiatives, translating environmental concerns into tangible community projects.

The work was challenging but transformative, teaching me that environmental protection requires both passionate advocacy and practical implementation. Crossing Borders for Global Impact My commitment to environmental education took me to Mauritius, where I volunteered to teach children about environmental stewardship. Watching young minds grasp the importance of protecting our planet reinforced my belief that environmental education is the seed from which lasting change grows. This international experience opened doors to broader engagement. I became a representative of the International Secretariat for Water in Tunisia, participated in numerous international conferences, and immersed myself in the global dialogue on environmental challenges. Each platform taught me that environmental issues transcend borders: they require collaborative, international solutions. Bridging Research and Reality Pursuing a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering equipped me with the technical expertise to complement my advocacy work.

My research began addressing critical intersections: how does climate change disproportionately affect women? What happens when environmental degradation forces communities to migrate? These questions led to meaningful academic contributions: an article with the Baker Institute examining climate change's gendered impacts, and a forthcoming book chapter on climatic migration in the MENA region. My thesis on the effects of treated wastewater on irrigation of plants demonstrated how environmental solutions must balance innovation with practical From Projects to Policy My professional evolution led me into the complex world of international development and policy design. Working with organizations like the United States Institute of Peace, Expertise France, and the National Democratic Institute, I learned to navigate the intricate landscape of grant management, policy implementation, and stakeholder engagement. Supporting the USAID Local Environmental and Governance Program allowed me to apply the Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) approach across four Tunisian regions, ensuring that environmental initiatives were locally relevant and sustainably designed. Managing the Green and Resilient Economic Empowerment Navigator Program through El Space Social Innovation Hub brought together my environmental expertise with economic empowerment strategies.

My work on green entrepreneurship and public-private environmental initiatives through project that I lead with local ngos. The Interconnectedness of Justice An unexpected dimension emerged in my career: understanding how environmental degradation intersects with security, extremism, and social vulnerability. Looking Forward Today, my work spans environmental policy, climate adaptation, international cooperation, and community resilience. From founding a university environmental club to shaping regional environmental governance programs, every step has reinforced one lesson: meaningful environmental action requires passion, persistence, and partnerships. The climate crisis demands all of us grassroots organizers, researchers, policymakers, and engaged citizens to work together.

My journey has taught me that whether you're educating children in Mauritius, analyzing policy in Washington, or implementing programs in Tunisia, every contribution matters in the collective fight for our planet's future. The question is no longer whether we should act on climate change, but how quickly and how collaboratively we can transform our systems, our economies, and our relationship with the environment. This is the work of our generation, and I'm honoured to be part of this global movement for climate action.

Each week Act on Climate will ask a question about the climate space as a way to engage discussions and connections in this space.

What Inspired you to Get Involved in the Climate Space?

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Act on Climate is trying to build out its various services and opportunities that we offer such as our Online Resource Library, Speaker Database, & Mentor and Coaches database.

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Online Resource Library: The purpose of our online resource library is for anyone to submit various climate based opportunities, jobs, fellowships, and more.

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Speaker Database : The purpose of our online speaker database is to highlight various experts in the climate field. This database will be a place where individuals who want to offer their expertise on different climate topics can post their profile on our page.

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We offer a free membership on our Mighty Networks Platform. We are looking to connect like minded climate leaders in the climate space on various topics. Every week on this platform we will share job opportunities, resources, grants opportunities, and how to get involved in the climate space.

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Check out the different job opportunities going on in the climate space!

Senior Manager, Campaigns Mainstreaming (Brazil)

Company name: C40 Cities

Position Type: Full Time

Job application Link: here

Storytelling Manager

Company Name: Net Zero Cities

Position Type: Full Time

Job application Link: here

Research Fellow

Company name: Project Drawdown

Position Type: Contract Position

Job application Link: here

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