Martha Stevenson

Martha Stevenson is senior director of strategy and research on the forest team at WWF-US. In this capacity, she leads the development of wide-ranging strategies to help conserve the world's most important forests. Her efforts entail supporting companies and cities that are creating science-based targets to achieve the ambitious global sustainability goals for climate and nature. In addition, Martha identifies opportunities for companies to avoid deforestation, promote restoration, and better manage forests in critical landscapes.

Martha has significant expertise in sustainable production and consumption systems, forestry, soils, science-based targets, life cycle assessment, soft commodities, and materials management. She uses her systems-thinking skills to build bridges and synergies across sustainability solutions. A published author, Martha has written articles and contributed to textbooks on sustainability assessment methods. She has also participated in United Nations Environment Programme panels on transparency and environmental data exchange between nations. In addition, Martha has spoken on topics ranging from the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation to science-based targets for nature and climate.

Prior to joining WWF, Martha ran her own consultancy, advising large multinationals, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies on their sustainability programs. She also co-led the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, where she directed development of technical tools and guidance. Early in her career, Martha worked in environmental engineering, managing site investigations and brownfield projects, and as a research assistant examining optimal agroforestry systems for available soils in the Amazon.

Martha holds a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry from the University of the South (Sewanee) in Tennessee.