New episode of Net Zero Speaks explores local climate impacts in Southwest
News provided byPlanet Classroom Network · 2 min read
The Planet Classroom Network has partnered with the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement to feature a new episode of the Net Zero Speaks series, which explores the growing importance of local climate information in preparing communities for a hotter, drier future. The episode, hosted by youth climate advocate Ivan Ransom, delves into the changing climate scenarios in the American Southwest and how communities can adapt.
New Mexico State Climatologist David W. DuBois, who also directs the New Mexico Climate Center and serves as an associate professor at New Mexico State University, was the featured guest. DuBois explained that while global climate trends are critical, the impacts of climate change are increasingly being felt at the local level. "We're seeing prolonged drought, extreme heat, water scarcity, declining snowpack, dust storms, and worsening air quality," DuBois stated. "These changes are reshaping life across the American Southwest."
During the episode, DuBois emphasized the importance of trusted climate information, community planning, and long-term resilience strategies. He shared his extensive experience working with farmers, emergency planners, public health officials, educators, and policymakers to highlight the need for localized climate data in decision-making processes. "Climate resilience begins with understanding what is happening at the local level," DuBois said.
DuBois highlighted his role as the chair of New Mexico's Drought Monitoring Workgroup and the state coordinator for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS) citizen science network. Through these roles, he connects thousands of local weather observations with scientific research and public decision-making, demonstrating the practical impact of accurate climate information.
The episode also discussed the importance of turning climate science into practical action. DuBois noted that earlier heat waves, prolonged drought, declining mountain snowpack, worsening dust storms, and increasing water stress are already changing how communities manage agriculture, public health, transportation, emergency response, and long-term water resources. Improved weather monitoring networks, citizen science, early warning systems, and stronger communication between scientists and local communities can help people make better everyday decisions while preparing for increasingly frequent climate extremes.
C. M. (Cathy) Rubin, Founder and CEO of Planet Classroom, underscored the significance of the partnership. "Climate change may be global, but people experience it locally," she said. "David W. DuBois reminds us that better climate information, stronger communities, and informed citizens are among our most powerful tools for building resilience in a changing world."
The new episode of Net Zero Speaks premieres on the Planet Classroom Network YouTube channel, providing viewers with insights from one of the leading voices on climate resilience. More than 50 episodes of the series have been produced, offering young people direct access to the experts shaping the global transition toward a more sustainable future.
Net Zero Speaks is a climate interview series produced in partnership with the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement, aiming to explore the solutions, challenges, and breakthroughs that are driving the global transition toward sustainability. Through conversations with youth climate leaders and leading experts, the series continues to inform and inspire action.