Author: Sophia Kalantzakos

Sophia Kalantzakos was born in Athens, Greece. After graduating from Yale and Columbia, she became a Member of the Hellenic Parliament in 2000 (the first woman elected from the State of Messinia), serving on the Committees for Foreign Affairs and Defense, European Affairs, and Education. During her tenure as Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Employment and Social Protection, the government passed far-reaching pension reforms. Ms Kalantzakos also focused attention on the creation of green jobs through the use of EU structural funds for companies and environmental NGOs. Ms. Kalantzakos' work has extended beyond the traditional policy realm, recognizing that cultural change and public engagement are essential to fostering a more sustainable and prosperous future. To that end, and in order to prepare future generations, she has authored a series of children's books which promote strong environmental themes. In 2010 she left politics and was named Global Distinguished Professor in Environmental Studies and Public Policy at New York University. She also serves as a member of NYU's Sustainability Task Force, advising on strategy and communications around improving environmental performance and community engagement. Ms. Kalantzakos has lectured widely on sustainability and public policy, addressing business, government and academic audiences on the challenges posed by the global ecological crisis and the opportunities inherent in strategic green economic development. Her research and teaching focus on the geopolitics of green growth and Europe’s path to sustainability. One current project examines how rhetoric about sustainability and clean energy in the United States has failed to engage the public or advance policy goals, in contrast with divergent approaches in Europe.