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From the snowy streets of Fredericton to the lush forests of the Amazon, Pedro Bremberger Pássaro has built a career rooted in environmental stewardship and international collaboration.

A 2022 graduate of the Master of Environmental Management (MEM) program at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), Pedro’s journey is a testament to the power of global education, practical experience, and a passion for sustainability.

A global path to UNB

While completing his Bachelor’s thesis in Forest Sciences in 2018, Pedro discovered the TRANSFOR-M exchange programme, a unique partnership between the University of Freiburg in Germany and UNB. The program offered the chance to earn both a European and a Canadian degree, blending academic excellence with cultural immersion.

Coming from a modest financial background, Pedro was drawn to the program’s availability of grants and the opportunity to gain international experience. “The welcoming atmosphere of UNB and the city of Fredericton, along with their focus on environmental issues, made it an easy choice,” he recalls.

Memorable academic moments

Pedro describes his time at UNB as “incredibly valuable,” highlighting both the strong academic environment and the friendships formed. Studying alongside a close friend in the same program made the experience even more rewarding.

One course that left a lasting mark was ENVM 6001 – Nature, Society, and Social Ecology, taught by Professor Tom Beckley. “It was demanding but incredibly engaging, with thought-provoking discussions that still influence my work today,” Pedro says. Hands-on learning was another highlight. Through ENVM 6004 – Environmental Impact Assessment, Pedro participated in forest inventories, freshwater ecosystem assessments, and water quality measurements, skills directly transferable to his professional work.

From UNB to a career in climate solutions

Today, Pedro works as a Junior Consultant at Perspectives Climate Group, a climate policy think tank and consultancy. He’s part of the Nature-Based Solutions and Climate Adaptation team, tackling pressing global challenges. Before this role, he interned with the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) on the Amazon Fund Project, focusing on sustainable initiatives to prevent deforestation and promote responsible rainforest use. His academic and field experiences at UNB, coupled with exposure to carbon markets during his time at the University of Freiburg, greatly enhanced his employability in climate change and sustainability fields.

Life in Fredericton

Living in Fredericton offered Pedro a unique mix of academic focus and small-city charm. Off-campus living allowed him to connect with the local community, sometimes in unexpected ways, like when he and a friend made local news for cycling to campus through heavy snow. Whether hiking, biking, attending the autumn jazz festival, or exploring local breweries, Fredericton offered countless opportunities to make lasting memories.

Advice for future MEM students

Pedro encourages incoming students to embrace both the academic and cultural aspects of their studies:

“Take advantage of UNB’s high-quality courses, be open to new teaching styles, and don’t shy away from hands-on fieldwork. Living off campus can help you connect more deeply with the community. And if challenges arise, seek support from professors and peers, they are often more than willing to help.”

A lasting impact

Looking back, Pedro sees his time at UNB as transformative. It wasn’t just about earning a degree, it was about personal growth, cultural exchange, and gaining the tools to make a real-world impact.

“The MEM program equips you with the skills to address diverse environmental challenges. If you’re passionate about sustainability and want to push your boundaries, UNB is an excellent choice.”

Ready to shape a sustainable future?

Whether your interests lie in climate policy, conservation, or environmental education, UNB’s MEM program offers the tools, community, and experience to help you lead meaningful change. Join a new generation of environmental leaders, just like Pedro.

Learn more about the MEM program.