Katherine Tu

Katherine Tu is a second year student at the Harris School of Public Policy (’25) with an Energy and Environment specialization. She is currently an associate at Steven Tarrson Impact Investment Fund to support sustainability related start-up opportunities. Over the summer, she worked at the Energy Policy Institute at University of Chicago as a Bartlett Fellow, researching the efficacy of ESG reporting.

She attended COP29 as a student delegate to learn more about climate finance and how the countries aim to mobilize the private sector to achieve climate goals.

“Attending COP29 allowed me to gain a more holistic perspective of climate policy, and the importance of patience and compromise in building a more sustainable future. From waste management advocates in East Africa, clean technology enterprises in Northern Europe, to investors in World Bank and delegates from Bangladesh, it was truly a ‘Conference of the Parties,’ where everyone spoke for their best interest. Although it may be frustrating at times to hear the inertia from long negotiations, it was a necessary process to ensure long term success. I am truly amazed by the amount of collective interest to enhance this initiative, and it was a great opportunity to be in the same space to witness the change.”