From Brazil to Alaska: One Voyager's commitment to beating climate change

Eduardo Marchi Linardi's passion for the environment began in his home of Brazil and has since fueled climate work around the world.

As a 2024–2026 Obama-Chesky Voyager, Eduardo Marchi Linardi’s journey in public service is shaped by his Brazilian roots. Born and raised in São Paulo, his connection to environmental causes started early.

He witnessed firsthand the impacts of deforestation and climate change—experiences that influenced  his understanding of the environment long before he moved to the United States.

When his family migrated to Orlando, Florida, at age 15, Eduardo again saw nature under threat—this time in the form of harmful algae blooms along the Gulf Coast. He saw how environmental challenges transcend borders and require action on a global scale.

Now, Eduardo works to empower frontline communities as they  fight for  environmental policies  that protect their lives. Building inclusive, community-driven movements is at the heart of his approach.

“Locals need to be involved in decision-making that impacts them,” Eduardo said. “Too often, we see decision-making at the state or federal level being made by policymakers or people who really don't have that lived experience.”

One of Eduardo’s projects focuses on the practice of sugar cane burning in South Florida. Through his research, he aims to raise awareness of the public health and environmental consequences of these practices—and advocate for systemic change.

The Voyager Scholarship has opened doors for Eduardo to take his work further. It has enabled hands-on experiences that would have otherwise been out of reach, including upcoming roles with the Sitka Conservation Society in Alaska and the Office of Sustainability, Climate Equity, and Resilience in Hawai'i.

Eduardo chose Sitka, Alaska—specifically Baranof Island—because of its status as one of the few U.S. communities powered entirely by renewable energy. Eduardo sees the island as  a living example of what’s possible, and the perfect environment to deepen his research on sustainable energy solutions. And he feels that Hawaii offers the opportunity to work directly with officials on climate initiatives.

Eduardo believes that engaging frontline communities is essential to developing effective environmental policy and addressing deeply rooted injustices.

His work highlights how young people are not only affected by environmental issues, but are also leading efforts to solve them—from polluted air in Florida to sustainable energy in Alaska. “I’m intentional about including people from different walks of life, and make sure that everyone has a say, make sure that no one's excluded in my work.” 

Eduardo’s journey is a powerful example of youth leadership at its best—rooted in lived experience, driven by equity, and aimed at global impact.