Lessons from the Bottom of the World

Michael P. Carvalho, founder of Carvalho & Associates, P.C., is a distinguished environmental attorney with over 30 years of experience in environmental law. His legal career has been marked by significant victories in both state and federal courts, where he has successfully represented clients in environmental litigation, often achieving record verdicts and decisions. His expertise extends beyond litigation to include the redevelopment of environmentally impaired properties, construction law related to stormwater management, and environmental regulation and policy development.

Michael’s passion for environmental advocacy is deeply personal, driven by his lifelong love of the ocean. Having grown up on the North Shore of Massachusetts, he became a Certified Diver in 1978. His diving experiences have since taken him to six of the seven continents. A certified Divemaster and Rescue Diver, Michael’s exploration of the world’s oceans has not only shaped his personal life but also his professional work.

In 2018, Michael was invited by Diving Unlimited International to join a select team of highly experienced divers for a scuba diving expedition to Antarctica. The team included glaciologists, biologists, climatologists, and other science and policy experts studying the dramatic effects of climate change in one of the harshest environments on Earth. This journey to Antarctica marked a major milestone in Michael’s life, as it was his first expedition to the frozen continent, where he witnessed firsthand the impacts of climate change on polar ecosystems.

Michael’s legal practice is informed by his commitment to environmental preservation. His work aligns with the NOAA Fisheries Climate Science Strategy, focusing on key objectives such as understanding mechanisms of change, providing early warnings, and projecting future conditions. His time in Antarctica reinforced the need for strong environmental protections and adaptive management strategies, which he integrates into his legal practice to help clients navigate the complexities of environmental challenges.

As a leader in environmental law, Michael combines his legal expertise with his real-world experiences from the field, whether advocating for policy changes, creating climate-informed legal strategies, or actively participating in scientific research.

Antarctic Expedition Overview

In early 2018, Michael embarked on his first expedition to Antarctica, joining a team of divers and scientists with Blue Green Expeditions. After arriving in Ushuaia, Argentina, and touring Tierra Del Fuego National Park, the team set sail aboard the m/v Plancius through the Drake Passage, following in the footsteps of early polar explorers.

During the expedition, Michael and the team were surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica’s untouched wilderness. They encountered humpback and minke whales, albatrosses, and colonies of thousands of penguins nesting on remote islands. The team explored glaciers and icebergs via zodiac cruises, diving into waters that few have ever seen. Michael experienced the unique opportunity to dive alongside penguins and leopard seals, observing the diverse marine life of Antarctica’s frigid waters.

This expedition, which brought together scientists and policy experts, was pivotal in shaping Michael’s perspective on the urgent need to address climate change. It also reinforced his commitment to using his legal practice to advocate for stronger protections for vulnerable ecosystems, combining his passion for exploration with his dedication to environmental law.