Season 3, Episode 16

Riding the Tide in Venice 

featuring Julia Curtis 

“I think that there's an etiquette that every tourist that travels the world should have. And I think that there's a conscientiousness that cities like Venice or Florence, that are really unique in the world, need to step back and say, how do we have more sustainable tourism?” Julia Curtis 

In this special, long episode, recorded via Zoom this past May, Julia Curtis and I converse about her personal and professional journey from Berkeley California to Venice, Italy, her graduate studies, and her over two-decade career in the fields of climate change, business strategy and government relations. 

Julia and I cover a wide range of topics, from global climate issues to the impact of overtourism in Venice, and the urgent need for sustainable tourism practices in Venice, Italy, and beyond. 

We also also touch upon the challenges and rewards of living and working in Venice and the importance of preserving the city's unique character. I also ask her to chime in with her thoughts on the potential outcomes of the city’s recent controversial introduction of the tourist tax. 

Finally, we talk about why Julia ultimately made the bold choice to raise her child in Venice and the many different hats she wears while staying afloat in la Serenissima. 

About Julia Curtis 

Julia Curtis is a recognized leader in the fields of climate change, business strategy and government relations. Julia has over two decades of experience working with governments, private industry, academia, and international organizations such as the International Energy Agency, FAO, and International Renewable Energy on communications, negotiations, strategy and teambuilding. Her main specialization has been in the energy, agriculture, climate change and environment sectors where she has  been publicly recognized for her leadership, project management and communication abilities. Julia led one of the first US EPA Water Rights Treaties with Mexico. 

She received a master’s degrees in international economics, and energy and environmental policy from Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and a dual bachelor’s in art history and political science from New York University. Julia has consulted on energy, technology, agriculture and environmental projects in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. She has published articles on climate and renewable energy and is often asked to speak at Industry Conferences. A life-long passion for civics and education and serves as a Director of the Junior Statesmen Foundation. 

Julia loves teaching yoga (her first yoga training was 18 years ago), and on her website, www.yogavenezia.com, you can find additional information on her teaching philosophy and background, classes, activities and retreats. Trilingual in English, French and Italian, Julia is also passionate about sailing and rowing in general and Venetian boats in particular. She lives in Venice, Italy with her daughter Cornelia. 

Links 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliacurtis/

https://www.yogavenezia.com/