Julia Townsend is the Founder & CEO of Enviro-Strategy, a consulting firm that specializes in applying behavioral science insights to environmental problems. Recent projects include working on residential water use, developing training modules for energy professionals in Oakland, and delivering a remote training for colleagues in Canada. Clients include Nature Canada, Stanford University, and the Soquel Creek Water District among others.

With over ten years of experience in strategic communications, community mobilization, and environmental policy, she is passionate about applying behavioral science insights for the public good, and sharing her knowledge with fellow practitioners.

 “I am excited to teach at MIIS because I love being around MIIS people! They have a unique worldview and aspire to do big things which makes me feel at home. I always enjoy the caliber of questions and scope of the experiences that the students bring to the table.”

Ms. Townsend holds a B.A. in French from Emory University, and a Master’s Degree in International Environmental Policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. She was a Kathryn Davis Fellow for Peace while a student at MIIS and studied Arabic while focusing on marine policy. Prior to founding Enviro-Strategy, Ms. Townsend helped develop tools for ocean planning as a policy analyst with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

As a finance assistant for a successful congressional campaign in New Hampshire, she contributed to record breaking in-state fundraising efforts. Julia has also held a variety of positions within the field of education from being a special education teacher, to mentoring young people as a camp counselor on a rural island in Maine, and teaching as an artist in residence in New York City public schools.

When not working, Julia enjoys rock climbing, surfing, and generally getting outside in Santa Cruz, CA where she is currently based.

Areas of Interest

  • Applied Psychology
  • Environmental Policy
  • Design Coaching
  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Trial Design, Implementation & Evaluation

Programs

Academic Degrees

M.A. in International Policy Studies, International Environmental Policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.

B.A. in French from Emory University in Atlanta.

Publications

Bay Area Climate Change Education Needs Assessment Report. Prepared on behalf of and in collaboration with the Institute of the Golden Gate, December 2014.

Parks: The New Climate Classroom. Insights for Climate Change Communication & Education. Prepared on behalf on and in collaboration with the Institute at the Golden Gate. 2018.

Wahle, C. and J. Townsend, 2018. A Common Language of Ocean Uses. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Protected Areas Center, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Silver Spring, MD. 10 pp.