Wolverhampton climate graduate excels on world stage

An inspirational woman who is playing a leading role in developing global policies to combat climate change has praised the University of Wolverhampton for setting her on the road to success.

Nathalie Flores’ distinguished career in environment policy making has seen her progress to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Vice-Chair on Science and Technology.

The UNFCCC came into force in 1994 and is today ratified by 198 countries, with the ultimate objective of stabilising greenhouse gas concentrations.

In her role, Nathalie has spoken powerfully at global events, including recently at COP28 in Dubai, which was attended by more than 150 heads of state.

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Nathalie said she will never forget the important influence the University of Wolverhampton has had on her career.

“I fell in love with environmental law at law school in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic,” she said, speaking as part of the University of Wolverhampton’s Every Story Has a Start campaign. “I knew that is where my future lay.

“The University of Wolverhampton was very forward-thinking and, at the time, it was the only university to offer a Master's of Science degree in Sustainability and Climate Change, so I knew that was the way to go.

“My time in Wolverhampton was one of the best of my life. I was earning my degree while experiencing the workplace and the student environment.

“It was key in my education and in developing my values. The knowledge I was able to access from my professors has certainly helped me to perform on a global level.”

After graduating in 2016, Nathalie worked for the Dominican Republic government, helping various administrations to understand, develop and enforce climate change agendas.

She went on to work in New York for the Coalition for Rainforest Nations, which works to help save rainforests and endangered species, providing legal assistance for carbon markets negotiations and conducting training for the sector.

Nathalie next served as Director for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of the Dominican Republic, before being appointed at the UNFCCC in 2023, and re-elected this year.

Now living in Madrid, Nathalie said: “The highlight of my career so far has been serving my government and developing policy for my country that will last long beyond any administration.

“Being involved in COP28 was also massive as we seek to empower countries that are big carbon emitters to diversify themselves away from fossil fuels.

“I really believe I am a leader in an organisation that is making a valuable difference to the world – and the University of Wolverhampton prepared me for that.”

The University's Every Story Has a Start campaign features high achievers from the world of literature, business, sport, film and the arts, including a New York Times bestselling author and a visual effects specialist with Oscar winning pedigree.

All of the half a dozen alumni who feature have flourished since their time at the University.

The campaign is brought to life through advertising around the West Midlands, including at train stations and bus stops, as well as through social media.

Professor Ebrahim Adia, Vice-Chancellor at the University, said: “As a University we have consistently pushed the boundaries and broken new ground, as demonstrated by being the first institution to offer a Master’s degree in Sustainability and Climate Change..

“We are proud to have helped Nathalie to develop this life-long passion for the environment and for making a genuine difference to the world by developing important carbon reducing policy.

“Every Story Has a Start has been a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on just some of the incredible, world-leading talent we have produced right here in the West Midlands.”

For enquiries regarding alumni events or to share news, contact the alumni team at alumni@wlv.ac.uk.

After graduation, graduates become members of the Alumni Association and are encouraged to keep in touch, to take advantage of a wide range of benefits and support on offer, including a discount for postgraduate study.

Anyone interested in courses being offered in the University’s School of Architecture and Built Environment should check its website or register for forthcoming Open Days. 

ENDS