Gemma Young graduated from CAT with an MSc in Sustainability and Behaviour Change. The dissertation concept she completed during her studies with us has gone on to be accepted for inclusion in the UN’s Beyond Growth Roadmap – a project working to expand the range of policy options available in the fight against poverty, beyond those that rely on economic growth.

In her dissertation, Gemma looked at the systems that enable the wealth-consumption-emissions cycle and how an investment levy could offer a pathway towards change by incentivising more sustainable market practices and addressing the socio-ecological imbalances within our current systems.

“My MSc dissertation introduced the concept of a Scaled Investment Levy (SIL) – a novel fiscal mechanism designed to embed socio-ecological thresholds directly into investment returns. The concept has been accepted for inclusion in the UN Special Rapporteur’s 2026 Beyond Growth Roadmap, and I’m now seeking a doctoral environment where it can be further developed through empirical testing and stakeholder engagement.”  

The majority of Gemma’s work has been in the built environment sector, and she is co-founder and director of an architectural studio in Ho Chi Minh City. She came to CAT in search for an institution that combined behavioural science with environmental issues.

“CAT was among the only institutions offering a combination of sustainability and behaviour change. I was particularly keen to learn how behavioural science could be used to address a broad range of sustainability and socio-ecological justice issues. The Graduate School merged theory with real world action, connecting me to a global community and giving me the confidence – and tools – to turn ambitious sustainability ideas into practice.

On a personal level, the experience re-energised my sense of purpose: rather than feeling I’m pushing against the tide, I now see a growing international network committed to systemic reform and I feel equipped to contribute meaningfully to it.”