Meet João Maria Botelho, an LL.B. student at NOVA School of Law and Research Assistant at the NOVA Green Lab. In 2023, he was a member of the NOVA Geen Lab Advisory Board as a representative of researchers in the Licenciature. João joined the European Climate Project Series with Professor Lucila and Joana Freitas.
In 2023, he earned acclaim from FORBES as a standout figure in the realms of innovation and sustainability due to his unwavering commitment to the field of social innovation.
In 2022, he successfully led a project that garnered recognition from the Financial Times, ranking it as one of Portugal’s top student-led initiatives for creating positive social impact!
Academic Background
João’s academic influence radiates through his roles as a Researcher at esteemed NOVA centers, such as the Business Human Rights and the Environment Knowledge Center, NOVA OCEAN, and NOVA Green Lab.
João’s educational journey is enriched by his completion of an ESG Specialization Course at Wharton Business School, bolstered by advanced coursework in Regenerative Economics under the tutelage of Professor John Fullerton (the creator of the regenerative thinking concept applied to economics).
He has also gained valuable experience in the field of sustainability, having previously worked as an Energy Transition Researcher at the US Coalition on Sustainability (from June to October 2022) and for the (AAE) Alliance for Affordable Energy.
Professional Experience
João’s professional journey is marked by diverse and impactful internships. From his role as a Legal Trainee at SLBA, where he delved into Alternative Investment Vehicles and Capital Markets Regulations, to his Summer Legal Trainee position at VdA, specializing in Energy and Natural Resources, João’s experiences span the legal landscape. Notably, he has contributed to Clean Energy and Fossil Fuel Transition initiatives at the Alliance for Affordable Energy and shaped policy and strategy at the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet (NY).
Legal Expertise: João’s legal expertise shines through his participation in the Matheson Irish law firm’s ESG Experience Programme and his experiences at Clifford Chance during the Climate Change and Sustainable Finance Global Internship Programme, deepening his understanding of the human rights implications of corporate actions.
Research and Publications: His work on decoding sustainable finance and deep understanding of ESG principles underscore his dedication to innovative sustainability research. As a writer, he has contributed to publications like Observevador, Ambient Magazine, and LÍDER Magazine, exploring topics from legislative developments in sustainability to climate action and ESG policies.
Awards and Recognition: João’s impactful contributions have earned him honorable mentions from the Expert Group on Competencies for Democratic Culture of the Council of Europe, the President of the Portuguese Republic, FORBES Portugal and Financial Times.