Paying It Forward to Her Community – State of the Planet

María Florencia (“Flor”) Pérez’s journey into environmental advocacy began in her early years in Argentina. In second grade, a school campaign opened her eyes to the harmful effects of smoking cigarettes, highlighting both the public health risks and the environmental impact of cigarette waste. This experience profoundly impacted Peréz, who even went as far as to hide her father’s cigarettes. As her concern for environmental issues continued to grow over the years, she pursued a master’s in environmental law and politics in Argentina, which paved the way for her career as a lawyer in both the public and private sectors, advocating for environmental protection.

Now, as a student in Columbia University’s MPA in Environmental Science and Policy Program (MPA-ESP), Peréz aims to leverage her experience to develop sustainable solutions that can make a real difference, particularly in her home community in Argentina. She shares more about these goals in the Q&A below.

How has your understanding and passion for environmental issues evolved throughout your career and studies?

My understanding and passion for environmental issues have deepened through my work in public policy, particularly in public procurement, where I observed firsthand how deeply intertwined environmental factors are with socioeconomic challenges. I noticed that many of the issues we were trying to address, such as poverty and public health disparities, were often exacerbated by poor energy management, inefficient waste disposal and air pollution. Witnessing these overlapping crises made me realize the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that address both environmental and socioeconomic issues. This realization drove me to focus on developing and implementing policies that prevent environmental damage and mitigate its impacts, especially in the most vulnerable regions.

What drew you to the MPA-ESP program? How did you find out about it?

I discovered the MPA-ESP program through extensive online research. It seemed like the perfect fit for my goals. I believe that to make a real impact and make data-driven decisions, it’s essential to have a deep understanding of both regulations and the science behind solutions. Focusing on only one aspect can lead to incomplete solutions and potentially disastrous outcomes. For this reason, the program’s unique combination of science and policy knowledge was attractive to me, as was its incredible network and the growth opportunities it offers.

What‘s been your favorite class thus far?

It’s difficult to choose a favorite class because all of them provide different perspectives. However, I especially enjoy Matthew Palmer’s “Principles of Ecology.” This course covers topics such as ecosystem dynamics, population interactions and biodiversity conservation, which deepen my understanding of the complexities of ecological systems. By applying this knowledge to practical cases connected with communities worldwide, I am able to gain a deeper appreciation for how ecological principles directly influence public policies. This reinforces my belief in the importance of integrating scientific understanding with policy-making to address environmental challenges effectively.

Can you tell us about your summer workshop experience? Additionally, what has it been like to serve as a deputy manager in this context?

In my summer workshop, my team and I are focusing on the A02467 State and Municipal Composting Bill—an amendment to the environmental conservation law aimed at promoting composting processes within New York State’s environmental agencies. The workshop simulates a multicultural work environment, where we analyze legal, scientific and political aspects under the guidance of our faculty advisor, Steven Cohen. So far, it’s been an invaluable experience that has helped us gain proficiency in organic waste management.

Serving as a deputy manager has also been a great experience for me. It’s a very horizontal team, so we’re all involved in making decisions and taking ownership. It’s a simulated environment where we can make mistakes and learn from them, with classmates providing advice to help me grow in my management position. At first, building a strong team dynamic was challenging, but it became easier as we got to know each other’s strengths and personalities.

Beyond the classroom, what extracurricular activities are you involved in? Is there anything fun that you like to do in the city?

Having never been to New York City before, I find everything exciting. I enjoy exploring museums, parks and other neighborhoods, as well as going for runs in Riverside Park. I also enjoy attending conferences organized by SIPA and the Climate School, mingling with other professionals and participating in activities organized by the MPA-ESP program, like karaoke and a visit to Untermyer Gardens. Additionally, I stay connected with communities in Argentina by regularly communicating with local organizations and staying informed about their challenges and progress in addressing climate-related issues.

What are your career interests and plans for the future?

I plan to continue working on public policies related to sustainable practices, particularly in energy and waste management, with a focus on environmental justice in Argentina. My goal is to gain experience in the United States to learn about sustainable methodologies in other countries and apply the network and knowledge from the MPA-ESP program to create effective solutions in government agencies. Ultimately, I want to pay it forward to my community, making a real difference in the regions most affected by climate change.