Growing up in the scenic but climate-affected town of Tarma, Peru, Marialexandra Horna Arrieta combined her passion for economics and the environment into a career focused on green finance. As a recipient of the Stanley Park Climate Finance Scholarship, she now pursues an M.S. in Climate Finance at Columbia, aiming to drive nature-positive investments throughout Latin America.
- Inspired by the natural beauty and climate challenges of Tarma, Peru
- Shifted from economics policy to investment-focused climate finance
- Aims to connect Latin America’s unique resources with global climate solutions
What happened
Marialexandra Horna Arrieta’s upbringing in Tarma, often called the “city of flowers,” instilled in her a deep awareness of the relationship between natural ecosystems and economic wellbeing. Witnessing how climate change affected agriculture and biodiversity motivated her early interest in economics, initially driven by curiosity about market dynamics.
Her work experiences at the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean and later the Inter-American Development Bank allowed her to specialize in green finance. Here, she participated in designing policies and investment strategies to mobilize funding toward environmentally sustainable projects, shifting her focus from national policy frameworks to investment finance with a regional scope.
Why it feels good
Horna’s journey illustrates a vibrant example of how young leaders can leverage education and practical experience to transform the economic systems that drive climate action. By pursuing the M.S. in Climate Finance at Columbia Climate School, she expands her knowledge beyond Latin America to include international markets, enriching her ability to craft impactful solutions.
Her story is uplifting because it shows a commitment not only to personal growth but also to broader regional progress. Horna’s focus on aligning various countries’ unique resources with global funding mechanisms fosters hope for a more integrated and effective approach to tackling climate change challenges in Latin America.
What to enjoy or watch next
Follow how the first cohorts of Columbia’s Climate Finance program shape the future of sustainable investment worldwide. Horna’s experience highlights the importance of nurturing diverse perspectives and cross-border collaboration to address climate risks and opportunities effectively.
Stay updated on developments in green finance initiatives across Latin America, especially projects involving natural resources, critical minerals, and water management. These sector-specific strategies, combined with global investment trends, will be key to driving resilient economies and ecological preservation in the years ahead.