Linara Khadimullina: from volunteering to unique expertise in climate projects
Linara Khadimullina, a graduate of the Master's Programme in Low Carbon Development with distinction, is currently involved in global initiatives related to climate and energy.
Linara Khadimullina is a prominent representative of the new generation of experts in the field of sustainable development and climate policy. She began her professional career by volunteering at the Russian branch of the UN Youth Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and today she has experience in ESG consulting for leading companies in the energy and metallurgical sectors, as well as unique expertise in global carbon markets.
In the summer of 2024, Linara Khadimullina became one of the first graduates of the Low Carbon Development Management program at the HSE Faculty of Geography, completing her studies with a master's degree. Linara's achievements include winning prestigious case championships, participating in global forums, and developing student initiatives, during which Linara actively participated in developing strategies to reduce her carbon footprint and adapt to climate change at various levels. For example, she developed proposals on the development of renewable energy for Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration. Recently, Linara with her colleagues from the Youth Water Council at the Lake Baikal Foundation and BRCS Youth Energy Agency organized a COP session at the Pavilion of Children and Youth at COP29.
Currently, Linara is a specialist in the scientific and methodological support department at the international company AIM Carbon, which develops and implements climate projects. Linara also recently completed an internship at the International and Comparative Law Research Center (ICLRC), where she has been involved in the mechanisms of global carbon markets and the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The Center is a recognized expert platform and observer of the UNFCCC.
Linara is also a member of the Expert Group of the BRICS Youth Energy Agency. In 2024, she became part of the international group for the development of the BRICS Youth Energy Outlook 2024, being selected among young professionals from 58 countries. In her section of the report, she highlighted the importance of corporate responsibility in the fight against climate change.
In October, Linara attended the Climate Week at Sirius University of Science and Technology. She participated in the School of International Negotiations on Climate Change, where she worked as a negotiator alongside other participants. The school was led by renowned experts such as Sergey Borisovich Kononuchenko, Ambassador at Large from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Alexander Vladimirovich Chernokulsky, from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Russian Academy of Sciences. Linara would like to express her gratitude to the organizers of the event, including the International Scientific Center for Ecology, for providing this unique event.
In addition, Linara presented her research poster at the BRICS Scientific and Educational Congress on Ecology and Climate in Sirius. The poster was based on her master's thesis, which she defended this summer under the supervision of Evgenia Kiselyova. This work examines the relationship between sustainable corporate governance and the effectiveness of strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by companies in the oil and gas sector.
"Youth Ambassadors of Clean Energy" program has become another important step for Linara’s career. This program is aimed at preparing young people in Russia to participate in UN climate conferences. Linara was one of eight young leaders who received training from Rosatom experts and leading experts in the field. Linara is currently actively applying the acquired knowledge in her work and expresses gratitude to the organizers of this program for providing young people with the opportunity to develop their potential in the field of climate.
We asked Linara a few questions about her experience on the master's programme, her achievements and future plans.
What are the essential skills and knowledge required to work in the field of ESG and sustainable development?
To begin with, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of Agenda 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to comprehend the concept of energy transition, and to be familiar with decarbonization strategies. Additionally, knowledge of international treaties and frameworks, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, is essential for navigating the global context. Effective communication skills are also vital, as the ability to engage in dialogue with business, public, and governmental entities allows for the identification of practical solutions in challenging situations. A key challenge often lies in finding solutions that benefit the environment and take into account the interests of all parties involved.
How has your Master's degree opened new doors for you?
It is difficult to enumerate the numerous opportunities that were presented to me during my studies in this master's program. During my time at the program, I found myself at the center of various events, not only within Russia, but also in the global sustainable development arena.
Particularly significant for me was a university seminar, during which leading experts in sustainable development came to visit the students and share their knowledge. I would like to express my gratitude to Andrey Ptichnikov for his guidance and support. Additionally, I am grateful to Roman Kazakov for his role as the head of my climate reporting internship at Severstal company, which provided me with a highly valuable experience.
It is worth noting that my study group included not only recent graduates but also experienced professionals in the industry. Their guidance and support have been significant to me. I am grateful that during the master's program, I have joined such a talented community, where everyone is passionate about sustainable development. This unique atmosphere is largely due to Natalia Zholnerovich, Nikolai Kurichev, and Inna Korolkova, who work tirelessly to develop and improve the program.
What do you consider the most valuable aspect of your experience during the program to be, and how has it impacted your career?
The Master's in Low-Carbon Development provided me with a solid foundation that I lacked in my understanding of climate change, both from a scientific and socioeconomic perspective. Thanks to the excellent teachers who taught us, I now have valuable scientific knowledge that helps me debunk climate myths and recognize the importance and potential of developing low-carbon energy solutions.
What would you recommend for young professionals looking to embark on a career in the realm of sustainable development and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices?
Sustainable development is a highly interdisciplinary field, encompassing areas such as ecology, biology, geography, economics, management, and even chemistry. Due to the complexity of the subject matter, it is not possible to fully master each of these disciplines in a single lifetime. Therefore, I would recommend that young individuals interested in pursuing a career in ESG first gain an understanding of sustainable development in its entirety, before identifying the specific area within this field that best aligns with their skills, knowledge, and interests.
For example, given my background in business and management from my undergraduate studies, I am more inclined to approach sustainable development from the perspective of companies and their ESG strategies. One such strategy is the implementation of climate change mitigation projects to offset a company's carbon emissions. This is precisely the area that I have chosen to focus on as a professional, aiming to contribute to this important aspect of sustainable business practices.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the faculty members who have provided me with inspiring and engaging lectures. I greatly appreciate their efforts and advice, and I encourage current students to make the most of their time in the master's program, as it flies by quickly.
How do you envision your career in the next 5 to 10 years?
I work in one of the most dynamic sectors of sustainable development: carbon markets. In mid-January, I attended a business trip with my colleagues to the global Carbon Forward forum in the United Arab Emirates, where even leading experts were unable to identify a promising trajectory for the evolution of the carbon market. Despite this uncertainty, it is my belief that it is individuals like you and I who will determine which path we will take. My career goals are to become more ambitious each year, in line with the requirements of the Paris Agreement. In 10 years, I hope to have reached a level of expertise where I can effectively integrate the concept of sustainability into low-emission strategies for companies, particularly contributing to the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement through collaboration with numerous countries and organizations in promoting high-quality climate projects. Thanks to the support of my colleagues, I am provided with valuable opportunities to further my expertise and, on a daily basis, contribute towards the achievement of goals set by our company. These goals also contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in the world, something that I am very passionate about.
Linara Khadimullina is a prime example of how young professionals can already make a significant contribution to creating a sustainable future through combining expertise, practical experience, and active citizenship. Her studies at the Low Carbon Development master’s program have provided a solid foundation for her professional and personal development. The program has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a highly sought-after expert in the fields of sustainable development, climate policy, and ESG consulting.