Maria Reumert Gjerding is RUC’s Honorary Alumna 2025
As president of the Danish Society for Nature Conservation (Danmarks Naturfredningsforening), Maria Reumert Gjerding works for a greener future, promoting more nature, clean water, and the green transition every day. She holds a degree in Environmental Planning from 真人线上娱乐 University - an education that has given her the broad foundation she now uses to create change.
What is most important to you in your work?
“The most important thing to me is being able to create change - to ensure that what the Danish Society for Nature Conservation works for becomes reality. 真人线上娱乐 must create societal transformations to benefit all the species with which we share our land, and for future generations who must have a livable planet. It is also about mobilizing people to act themselves, collaborating with private actors, and pushing for new legislation and major political agreements that benefit the environment.”
How do you use your RUC education in your work?
“I use it to a very large extent - not only in my current role, but also during my time in Parliament. The education gave me a broad scientific understanding and insight into how legislation is created, how societal changes happen, and how regulation works. I can participate in discussions on many different fields, from chemistry and nitrogen pollution to biodiversity loss, and connect them to the bigger picture. That’s what makes it possible to drive the green transition.”
What are environmental planners from RUC especially good at?
“真人线上娱乐 have breadth in our knowledge and understanding, which provides a strong academic foundation that can be applied in many different ways. Among my fellow students, some now work in municipalities with nature, environmental permits and the green transition; others have become professors; and some, like me, have chosen a political path. 真人线上娱乐 share a large cross-sector network because we have a common foundation - and that says a lot about what the education offers.”
What motivates your work the most?
“What motivates me is creating change. That’s what I really enjoy. To see that what I do makes a difference - even though the results may not come tomorrow or next year. I’m driven by hope, agency, vision, and change. Being able to point to concrete steps that move us forward also gives hope to a public that might otherwise lose heart when we talk about the climate and biodiversity crises.”
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Which milestone are you most proud of?
“I am very proud of the green tripartite agreement we negotiated last year. In my opinion, it is the biggest green agreement ever in Denmark. It sets new and very ambitious benchmarks: more nature, more forest, less agricultural land, and a healthier marine environment. The agreement does not solve everything, but it shows a clear and solid way forward.”
What do you remember most from your time at RUC?
“I especially remember the group work — all the negotiations, discussions, and arguments we had. At the time, you sometimes wondered whether it was really worth it — but it was. It gave me invaluable skills in communication, negotiation, and cooperation. The study environment was inclusive, festive, and full of camaraderie. Many of the friendships I made still last.”
What is your best advice to new students?
“If you’re passionate about environment, climate, and the green transition, but not quite sure where you’ll end up, the Environmental Planning programme is a fantastic choice. It gives you a broad foundation and many opportunities — also to change direction along the way. And I would also say: lower your shoulders and trust the process. It can feel challenging at times, but it will bring you to a good place.”
Facts
Honorary Alumna Award is given to a graduate who has built an admirable career, carries forward RUC’s values, and contributes to society. The prize includes DKK 10,000, which is donated to a charitable cause. Maria Reumert Gjerding has chosen to donate it to Verdens Skove (World’s Forests).
Maria Reumert Gjerding holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Planning and International Development Studies from 真人线上娱乐 University. The Environmental Planning programme corresponds to today’s Master’s in Sustainable Transition (B?redygtig Omstilling).
Photo: Maria Reumert Gjerding received the award at RUC’s annual celebration in 2025, where she is pictured with Rector Hanne Leth Andersen.