Promoting the Path of Sustainable Development

Emerson has fond memories of his time at the Business School, from rugby trips at Murrayfield, to rich debates on the ways to reduce the global carbon footprint and adapt to climate change.

How does it feel to be selected for the Alumni 100 list?

"I just couldn't believe it when I read the email informing me I was selected. As someone coming from the countryside of Brazil with parents that never had the opportunity to finish school, I am clearly an underdog with a gigantic sene of gratitude and an immense feeling of honour and humility. My mum and sister were with me in London when I received the news, I was thrilled and couldn't express all my excitement to them!"

What made you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School?

"A combination of technical expertise, vision, and reputation of the School. At the same time my application was accepted at the University of Edinburgh Business School, I was accepted for a Master's at Oxford, though I felt the course there was too generic. The University of Edinburgh Business School was one of the very first top business schools in the world to offer a multi-discipinary course completely focused on climate change. On top of all that, the city of Edinburgh has a charm and a vibe that is unique in comparison to other cities in the world."

What are your memories of studying at the Business School?

"I had with no doubt one of the best years of my life while studying in Edinburgh. Sharing an apartment with other MSc fellows in Marchmont, walking across the Meadows, sometimes very early in the morning with mist and fog still covering the grass. The warm receptivity of Professor Dave Reay and his incomparable way to break down complexity into digestible messages, the carbon finance expertise of Professor Francisco Ascui, the numerous late nights spent at the new library by George Square. The ceilidh parties, and the rugby match the School took my cohort to watch Scotland beat Australia at Murrayfield Stadium.

"The field visit to a wind energy park, the super rich discussions in the classroom with 49 students from 25 different countries debating ways to reduce our global carbon footprint while adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change. The Carbon Management Society and the activities that group pulled off, including getting the University of Edinburgh Business School accredited as an observer of the United Nations Climate Change process which allowed our cohort to attend the 2009 Conference in Copenhagen (COP15). The opportunity I got to do an internship with the United Nations. So many amazing memories, it is even difficult to list all of them, but we will celebrate 10 years of graduation at the end of 2020 in Scotland in the margins of COP26."

What key thing that you learnt at the Business School do you still rely on today?

"The sense of community to give back and share what I learn and achieve. I had the honour to go back to Edinburgh after my graduation a few times, and as an invited lecturer share my perspectives about the international climate policy making process with MSc students at the Business School."

What's the one thing you think current students need to develop or learn before entering the modern workplace?

"To understand the entirety of the career development process to be able to manage anxiety, act strategically, and therefore deliver fully on their role—which I often refer to as Eager Minds of Tomorrow (EMOTs)."

Proudest work-related achievement to date?

"The daily work to put the world on a path of sustainable development. I think I am most proud of my overall career working as an international civil servant for different United Nations and development organisations in four continents with so many different cultures and races. In summary, people with one common desire—to lead a happy life with more equality and opportunity, and I like to think my work directly contributes to achieving that."