Key Impact Points:
- Mariana Gomes, founder of Último Recurso, leads climate litigation against the Portuguese government and Europe’s largest lithium project.
- Recognized by the US State Department as one of Europe’s 20 young leaders and awarded a Fulbright scholarship for studies in the US.
- Serves as an advisor to the President of Portugal on climate policy and represents Portugal in international climate negotiations.
Humble Beginnings, Global Impact
Mariana Gomes grew up dreaming of becoming the first university graduate in her family, a vision her grandmother often celebrated. Now, as a jurist passionate about Climate Law & Litigation and EU Green Law, she is making her mark on the world stage.
“She only dreamed of studying Law and being the first graduate in her family. Today she is out there changing the world,” shared her grandmother.
From Activist to Influential Leader
Mariana’s journey began with her 2017 activism and led to organizing Portugal’s first climate strike in 2019 as part of Fridays For Future. Between 2019-2021, she actively contributed to over 20 climate projects, deepening her commitment to sustainable action.
In 2022, her dedication earned her recognition as one of Europe’s 20 young leaders by the US State Department and a Fulbright Scholarship to study Climate Change, Environment, Communication, and Leadership at the University of Nevada. She also enriched her academic experience with an exchange year at Fundação Getúlio Vargas in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Pioneering Climate Litigation
As the Founder and President of Último Recurso, Mariana Gomes established Portugal’s first NGO focused on Climate Law and Litigation. Under her leadership, the organization has initiated groundbreaking actions, including a lawsuit against the Portuguese State for non-compliance with climate legislation and an investigation into Europe’s largest lithium project.
“I created Último Recurso to hold powerful entities accountable for their environmental impact,” she said, emphasizing the importance of legal action in driving climate responsibility.
Advisory and Advocacy Roles
Mariana’s influence extends beyond litigation. She serves on advisory boards, including the UN Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals and the “O Futuro Já Começou” Reflection Group, which advises the President of Portugal on climate change. Her advisory roles also span think tanks and academic committees focused on environmental and climate issues.
Voice on Global Stages
An active speaker, Mariana Gomes has engaged audiences at high-profile events such as the Lisbon Forum 2023, CSDDD in The European Economic and Social Committee, and Welcome, New Parliament! Youth Summit by BMW and One Young World. Her presence as a conference delegate at pivotal events like the UN Water Conference, World Bank Group Youth Summit, and COP28 underscores her commitment to influencing international climate policy.
Mariana’s journey from a driven law student to a globally recognized climate leader is an inspiring testament to her unwavering dedication to environmental advocacy.
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