María José Vargas

Planet Forward Correspondent | Middlebury Institute of International Studies

Major / Minor: M.A Environmental Policy and Management with a specialization in sustanability management

Graduation Year: 2025

I am a passionate environmental engineer with 8 years of experience in climate-focused project management. My expertise spans carbon accounting, net-zero projects, photovoltaic energy systems, and industrial and hazardous waste management. Over the last 4 years, I specialized in the development of high-quality carbon credits through avoided emissions of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) with significant global warming potential.

Having worked in diverse countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, I am enthusiastic about leveraging multicultural perspectives to address global challenges equitably and bring a global vision for to climate change solutions.

Currently, I am pursuing a graduate degree in Environmental Policy and Management as a Fulbright fellow at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. My goal is to bridge engineering and applied science knowledge with climate policy frameworks to foster impactful climate action.

I believe in the power of storytelling to engage and inspire individuals, companies, and communities to take meaningful climate action and protect the environment.