“People often think that environmental issues are about ‘being a greenie’ when, in reality, we simply cannot exist without a healthy planet,” Verushka says. “The work my team and I do involves greenhouse gas assessments and looking at different future scenarios using global climate models. By evaluating the climate change impacts, we help our clients mitigate risk and find opportunities to thrive in a different future.”
Verushka obtained her Chemical Engineering (BSc Hons) degree from the University of the Witwatersrand. It was during her time there that she decided she wanted to play a part in proactively addressing climate change and contribute to a more sustainable future.
“I studied Chemical Engineering because I was always intrigued by science and enjoyed knowing how things work,” she says. “My mom introduced me to Al Gore’s The Inconvenient Truth while I was completing my degree and that is what made me decide I wanted to assist in tackling the climate crisis.”
Verushka joined WSP in Africa in 2022. Based at our offices in Johannesburg, she brings a wealth of experience to the Earth & Environment team, gained over her 10-year career to date. Verushka has worked on numerous greenhouse gas assessments, climate change impact assessments, climate change reporting and disclosure projects for a variety of clients. She has provided consulting support across industries, including petrochemical, mining, metallurgical, manufacturing and government bodies. She is also certified as both an Energy Manager (CEM) and a Management & Verification Professional (CMVP).
“From a young age I had the ambition of making a positive contribution to the world,” she says. “In my career, I do that by looking for solutions to help business and humanity thrive while mitigating our impact to ensure the sustainability of our planet.”
Fostering WSP’s local dedication with international scale through collaboration is key to Verushka’s role. “I am currently working to further strengthen the climate change team in South Africa through our strong partnerships with our international colleagues,” Verushka says. “A typical day involves working in teams to deliver climate change impact projects for clients in Africa as the ESG agenda gains traction here, and sharing knowledge across WSP’s geographies is important to that delivery.”
Verushka and her team work on projects that evaluate the effect of climate change on corporate activities, as well as the effect of corporate activities on climate change. In this way, she helps companies make informed decisions about their own sustainability, and that of the environment and communities in which they operate.
At home, the apple hasn’t fallen very far from the tree. “My six-year-old son is obsessed with animals, so I am typically with him exploring nature when I’m not working,” she smiles. “I enjoy spending my free time with my family and at the gym.”
