Natalie Pauwels, European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment in 2005

Where she is currently serving as Policy Assistant to the Director-General. In her previous positions she contributed to the development of the Seventh EU Environment Action Programme (2013-2020) and the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, and served as a Member of Cabinet to former Commissioner for Environment, Janez Potočnik. Natalie grew up in Canada, at a time when acid rain and the hole in the ozone layer were much talked-about environmental challenges. Inspired by the effectiveness of efforts taken to tackle these problems, she is committed to doing her part to combat climate change and contribute towards enhancing environmental protection. She is especially proud to be part of these efforts at the level of the European Union and tries to do her part also at a personal level, including by cycling to work most days – even in rainy Brussels.