Expedition to The Arctic Circle and Spitsbergen

Michael Carvalho: A Journey from the Courtroom to the Ends of the Earth

Attorney Michael P. Carvalho’s distinguished career spans more than two decades of environmental law and advocacy, but his passion for the environment doesn’t stop at the courtroom. As a polar explorer, he has ventured to some of the most remote and vulnerable ecosystems on the planet, combining his legal expertise with on-the-ground citizen science to tackle the urgent challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

In August 2022, he participated in an extraordinary polar expedition to the Arctic Circle around Spitsbergen and Kvitøya, aboard the m/v Plancius, a 287-foot polar-class vessel.

Organized by Blue Green Expeditions, this journey offered the opportunity to dive and snorkel in icy waters, spot endangered polar bears, and observe Minke and Beluga whales in their natural habitats. Carvalho and fellow explorers marveled at the walrus colonies and explored pristine polar landscapes, all while conducting underwater research to understand the rapidly changing Arctic ecosystem.

For divers and non-divers alike, this expedition provided unparalleled access to the Arctic’s breathtaking beauty. Hiking, birding, and historical explorations were complemented by educational seminars on polar ecology and underwater photography.

A Legacy of Adventure and Advocacy

Michael Carvalho’s work as both an environmental attorney and polar explorer sets him apart as a true environmental steward. His adventures are not just personal explorations but part of a greater mission to protect the planet’s most vulnerable regions through hands-on research and legal advocacy. From the frigid waters of the Arctic to the icy landscapes of Antarctica, Carvalho’s expeditions contribute to a global understanding of climate change, biodiversity loss, and the urgent need for stronger environmental protections.

The 2024 Expedition, a collaborative effort with scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and the University of Hawaii, will involve the collection of environmental DNA (eDNA), physical oceanography data, and underwater photogrammetry to document the effects of climate change. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of the Madrid Protocol under the Antarctic Treaty in protecting these fragile environments. The findings will be compiled into a paper that Carvalho will submit to the United Nations.