A Climate and Society Student on Environmentalism and Collaboration With Local Communities – State of the Planet

Olivia Palma used to think there was a disconnect between her interests in humanitarian work and environmental activism. But after finishing college at Lehigh University, Palma began working with an Indigenous community in Peru on conservation efforts in the Amazon; through this project, she started to understand the inherent overlap between the fields—and where she might be able to lend a hand.

As a current student in Columbia Climate School’s M.A. in Climate and Society program, Palma is honing her skills of serving as a knowledge bridge between communities on the ground in Latin America and the policymakers and funders who are collaborating with them on preservation efforts and disaster response. Palma, who works as a business development and carbon project lead at Earthshot Labs, reflects on what brought her back to the classroom in the Q&A below.

How did you become interested in climate?

My journey has been an evolving one. I’ve long had an interest in humanitarian work, spending summers building houses in Chile after earthquakes or natural disasters. When I got to university, I developed a strong environmental interest, organizing campus cleanups and initiatives to bring people together around climate.

At first, I thought I had to choose between humanitarian work and climate. But after graduating, my first job was on an intersectional project with an Indigenous community in Peru. We worked on activities aimed at conserving the Amazon rainforest and working with Indigenous people to preserve endangered Indigenous wisdom, while also exploring the economic value of the forest to support its preservation.

With 10 years of experience now, I’m probably one of the oldest people in the Climate and Society program. Over the years, it’s become clear that I’m passionate about intersectional environmentalism—understanding the link between people, the environment and climate change, especially for at-risk communities.

I’ve come to see that climate is multifaceted; it’s not just science, people or emissions—it’s a complex web of interconnected issues that require a holistic approach.

Why did you decide to go to the Climate and Society program now?

My parents always instilled in us the importance of education. My sister got her M.B.A. when she was 26. But when I was in college, I didn’t find something that felt like the right path. I thought about an M.B.A. Then, during Covid, I got really sick and kind of lost two years.

Two years ago, during Climate Week, I met someone from Columbia’s Climate and Society program who suggested I explore a new program there, saying it would be a perfect fit. I had just wrapped up a contract in Amsterdam, working on a sustainability platform, and was on my way to Peru for another project. While in New York for a week, I visited Columbia’s campus. Sitting there, everything just felt right.

I had recently started a new role at a fast-paced startup where I still work, collaborating with scientists, including GIS experts and social scientists. Working in such a multidisciplinary environment sparked my desire to learn more. Columbia’s program was the only one I found that genuinely integrated both social and hard sciences, making it an ideal fit for me.

Can you talk a bit about your current role?

We’re a climate tech company offering an AI-powered tool for rapid land assessments, supporting landowners with due diligence and evaluating the potential of conservation or reforestation projects. We provide technical expertise, social support and financing for projects across Latin America, Asia and Africa. As a science-backed, tech-enabled carbon development service provider, we aim to bring decades of collective experience and scientific rigor to nature-based solutions.

I am working part-time and lucky to have an amazing team that is super flexible. They’re letting me adjust my role a bit while I’m doing my master’s. Everyone’s very excited for me.

How will this degree help you with this?

The program offers complementary courses that align well with my work, especially Climate Finance Policy with Lisa Sachs and Adaptation with Lisa Dale. These courses will allow me to bring more expertise to my team and our projects. I also believe that having more highly educated professionals in the climate field is essential to help de-risk and support initiatives as much as possible.

I believe that everything I learn at Columbia will directly enhance my conversations, whether with the Indigenous communities we work alongside or with the big tech companies and partners funding these initiatives. It will allow us to better understand how to improve our projects on the ground.

I’m also excited about what I can contribute to the class, as I think I bring a unique perspective. One thing that makes balancing work and school less intimidating is knowing that each experience reinforces the other.

Are there specific classes or areas that you’re most looking forward to covering this year?

I actually teared up when I first looked at the curriculum—I knew this program was something I needed to pursue. I’m especially excited for the challenge of Dynamics of Climate Variability and Climate Change and have already started watching algebra refreshers to prepare. I’m also looking forward to Adaptation.

I’m looking forward to being surrounded by people who genuinely care about climate and to experiencing the enthusiasm of younger generations. Working on the ground can sometimes feel isolating, and I find myself joking about needing an emotional support group. The sense of hope in this program is truly inspiring, and I believe it will be infectious, reminding us all that, together, we can make a difference.

Do you have a vision for your role in addressing the climate crisis?

With my intersectional interests and experience, I see my role as a bridge, connecting financial knowledge with communities on the ground who are protecting or beginning to protect forests, as well as with project implementers who work with these communities on alternative revenue streams. I’ve always seen myself in this bridging role, and I believe Columbia will give me the tools and confidence to strengthen that connection.

Is there anything else you want to add?

There are so many ways to engage with climate work. For prospective students and colleagues, it’s essential to figure out the role you want to play. Where can you see yourself committing the time and shouldering the emotional weight of the work? Climate work is inherently intense, often involving confronting difficult and sad realities. Focus on what excites you most about the future.

The field is still relatively new. When I first started working in the Amazon, people would ask, ‘What are you doing in the Amazon?’ Now it’s widely recognized and valued. Scientists are finally getting their moment. We’ve been talking about climate change for years, but now it’s everywhere—on the news, in conversations. People are finally paying attention.