Ellie La Trobe-Hogan

In a nutshell, tell us about yourself.

I am a people person, but I wasn’t always. As early as I can remember I have had a passion for the natural world, and particularly the ocean and coasts. My education reflected this interest; completing a BA Biological Sciences and MSc in Environmental Change and Management, both from Oxford University, specialising in marine ecology and marine renewables. My early career focused on the just the ecology, and the science, until I came to realise that everything is connected and we cannot ignore the human aspect. This human aspect connects to our needs, desires and hopes (individually and collectively), as well as the relationships we make with one another. I am fascinated by how we meet, how we can make work in partnerships and collaborations to maximise our impact but also meet our own inner needs at the same time. I am delighted to be working at E Co. to bring synthesis of my environmental and climate change focus with human component of people, partnerships and community.

What are your loves?

I love free-diving, snorkelling and swimming in the ocean. I love walks in woods, and along coastal paths, up mountains, and into the unexplored. I love sunshine and picnics. I love laughter, connection and good company. I love yoga and astrology. I love exercise and the feeling of space in my body! I love freedom and peace that is consciously mediated through diplomatic action bringing all sides, perspectives, needs and stories together.

What drives you to do this kind of work?

My heart’s desire to leave the world a better place. A calling in some-way to bring a greater balance to the world; balance of doing and being, sustainability of self and the whole. A love of Nature and Life!

How do you see the world in 25 years?

I see the world progressing forward both in technology and scientific achievements, but also in how we work together in groups for the group. I hope that in that time frame we shift from an ‘I’ perspective to a ‘We’ perspective, that is facilitated from the envisaging of humanity as one species on one small planet in the middle of a very very large universe, possibly accelerated with space programmes and the James Webb telescope! I hope that despite technological developments that we as humans can learn to slow down, ask ourselves what we really need, what we really value and thus what type of world we want to create. Perhaps in doing that we could cut down on; 1- major health issues caused by processed food, polluted environments and stress, 2 – environmental degradation &; biodiversity loss caused by pollution, mining, land use, fishing practices and more, and ultimately 3 – greenhouse gas emissions. I truly hope that in 25 years the world will be healthier – for climate, for environment and for people.

How do you like to spend your weekends?

On a beach, whatever the weather! Getting a swim in the Atlantic Ocean of West Cork, Ireland where I live.

What is the title of your perfect work project?

Design a retreat week for ‘World leaders and big business CEOs to connect to each other and the natural world. With the intention being greater world peace andconsolidated actions to mitigate for and adapt to climate change.’