In February and March of 2024, Michael Carvalho, Esq. – an environmental attorney, expert SCUBA diver, and Polar Explorer – embarked on his second journey to Antarctica as part of the POLEs Citizen-Science Expedition. This marks his third Polar expedition, following his 2019 Antarctica mission and an expedition to Spitsbergen, Arctic, making him uniquely positioned to contribute to the scientific and policy efforts surrounding the fragile polar regions.

The POLEs Expedition, under the leadership of Dr. Angel Yanagihara (Explorers Club Fellow and University of Hawaii research professor), seeks to assess the impact of glacial runoff, temperature fluctuations, and salinity changes on marine biodiversity. The expedition also coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Challenger Expedition (1872-1876), which catalogued over 4,000 previously unknown species. While the Challenger Expedition was pivotal, it largely overlooked the vast biodiversity of microscopic life. POLEs represents an essential leap forward in understanding these dynamic biomes, focusing on the foundational elements of the marine food web.

The scientific research conducted on this expedition includes:

• Live Plankton Photomicroscopy to document and identify species of phytoplankton and zooplankton, with the potential discovery of previously unknown species in shallow Polar coastal environments.
• Community DNA (cDNA) and Environmental DNA (eDNA) samples collected and analyzed using PCR and molecular biology methods to identify organisms within these ecosystems.
• Physical Oceanography to analyze the interplay of wind, waves, and water density in polar environments. The team will collect water samples and assess glacial runoff impacts on temperature, salinity, and geochemistry.
• Underwater Photogrammetry, utilizing SCUBA divers to photograph and document features of polar environments for ongoing analysis and monitoring.

Why This Work Matters to Our Future

The polar regions are critical indicators of climate change, with rapid temperature increases causing significant shifts in their ecosystems. By studying foundational marine species like plankton, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of the food web dynamics that sustain larger polar animals, such as krill, whales, and seabirds. The POLEs Expedition provides an unparalleled opportunity to assess how climate change affects biodiversity and ecosystems at the ends of the earth.

This work will inform future climate models, providing the data needed for policymakers and scientists to assess whether international environmental protections, such as the Madrid Protocol under the Treaty of Antarctica, are sufficient to safeguard these ecosystems. Michael Carvalho, an experienced delegate at the UNEA-4 Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, will compile the POLEs findings into a report for a future UNEA Assembly, contributing to the global conversation on climate change, environmental justice, and marine conservation.

Expedition Deliverables

The POLEs Expedition is not just a scientific endeavor; it’s an educational and environmental policy milestone. The data collected will contribute to:

• Banked specimens and GIS data sets for future scientific research.
• Scientific and lay publications to raise awareness of polar ecosystems.
• A policy assessment paper by Michael Carvalho on the Science-Policy Nexus of the Treaty of Antarctica (Madrid Protocol).
• Collaboration with educators and students to engage future generations in climate science and environmental stewardship.

Michael P. Carvalho: Environmental Attorney and Global Explorer Tackling Climate Change

Michael P. Carvalho is not just a distinguished environmental attorney—he’s a dedicated explorer and climate advocate who travels the globe to witness and combat the impacts of climate change firsthand. His commitment to preserving our planet goes beyond the courtroom, as he actively participates in citizen-science expeditions to some of the most vulnerable ecosystems on Earth, from the icy waters of Antarctica to the Arctic Circle.

Michael’s work aligns with the NOAA Fisheries Climate Science Strategy, focusing on critical objectives like understanding mechanisms of change, tracking and providing early warnings, and projecting future conditions. His legal practice is deeply informed by his experiences in the field, where he has seen the urgent need for robust environmental protection and adaptive management strategies to combat the escalating effects of climate change.

As a recognized leader in environmental law, Michael brings his unique perspective—shaped by both legal expertise and real-world exploration—to help clients navigate complex environmental challenges. Whether through policy advocacy, climate-informed legal strategies, or direct participation in groundbreaking scientific research, Michael is at the forefront of global efforts to safeguard our environment for future generations.