QUEENNY KELLY
LOPEZ ALVARADO

I am an Environmental Engineer by profession, with a specialization in Climate Change. Currently, I am studying a Master's Degree in Applied Biosciences with a mention in Biodiscovery, with a scholarship awarded by the state of Ecuador. In the professional field, I have experience in various biodiversity conservation projects and have developed experience in pollution flows. Additionally, I have been very active in volunteer movements because I firmly believe that it is an important strategy to achieve Sustainable Development.

PROJECT

For now, I am leading the initiative ANUKA, applied biodiversity, which seeks the optimization and adaptation of endemic microalgae of Ecuador in different media to reduce the presence of CO2 in the environment. This initiative was the winner of the Challenge of Urban Entrepreneurship Quito, managed by IMPAQTO and the Inter-American Development Bank.

MOTIVATION FOR AND COMMITMENT TO CREATING A BETTER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE PLANET

Pollution is not only an environmental issue; it is a matter of human development. We know that those who suffer most severely the consequences of climate change and environmental pollution are those who live in poverty or extreme poverty, marginal sectors of cities have lower environmental quality, thus affecting their health, wellbeing, longevity; this is exacerbated by gender inequality.  My motivation to stay in the fight against climate change is the certainty that it is not impossible to live in a more fair and just city that tackles this environmental issues, I am convinced that future generations will have the opportunity to choose where to live without having to worry about the environmental quality as a condition of life. I believe that local solutions can change global life.

ANUKA, applied biodiversity, is an initiative that seeks the optimization and adaptation of endemic microalgae of Ecuador in different media to reduce the presence of CO2 in the environment. Our proposal is based on the design of both fixed and mobile biological filters that capture emissions both at the source of gases already present in the city.  Thanks to photosynthesis, these microalgae can fix CO2 and generate oxygen.   In industrial areas, with little vegetation and dense conglomeration, we propose to adapt small crops of these species on the edges of buildings, sidewalks and public spaces. The ability of microalgae to capture CO2 exceeds 30 times that of trees, and the space they use is minimal, they do not generate visual impact and can be mimicked by the environment.