Squashing Climate Myths With A Climate Scientist
Squashing Climate Myths With A Climate Scientist is now live on the Hope. Act. Thrive podcast with our special guest, Dr. Claudia Benitez-Nelson.
Why you’ll want to listen to this episode.
“There are so many opportunities, there are so many ways to invest and really think about how we can develop new technologies, new jobs. Because we know we're going to run out of fossil fuels. It's going to happen. So rather than being caught flat-footed, it's an opportunity to really be forward thinking about where we really want to see ourselves developing and going,” says Dr. Claudia Benitez-Nelson, a distinguished climate scientist and member of Science Moms.
In this conversation we’ll talk about demystifying climate science for parents, breaking some of the most pervasive climate myths, and parenting in a changing climate.
This episode is supported by Climate Mama, which helps Climate Mamas and Papas to tell the truth about climate change, take action and not be afraid.
Why we were thrilled to chat with Claudia.
Dr. Claudia Benitez-Nelson is an Associate Dean and Carolina Distinguished Professor in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of South Carolina. Her research focuses on understanding the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients and carbon and how they are influenced by climate change. Her many research honors include the Early Career Award in Oceanography from the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and being named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography.
Claudia is passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation. She is a member of Science Moms, a group focusing on helping mothers who are concerned about their children's future but aren’t confident in their knowledge about climate change or how they can help.
Words from Claudia you won’t want to miss.
“We are putting tons of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. It's making us warmer as a planet. And that's changing our planet in a whole variety of ways that, frankly, aren't good for us and aren't good for our children moving forward.”
“Our climate is changing due to human activities. It's changing right now. It's not in the future. It's happening as we speak. And it's impacting not just plants and animals, but all of us. And the results of heating our atmosphere and our planet isn't about just increasing temperatures. But the severity, frequency and scale of big climactic events. Droughts, floods, fire, hurricanes and thunderstorms.”
“There are so many opportunities, there are so many ways to invest and really think about how we can develop new technologies, new jobs. Because we know we're going to run out of fossil fuels. It's going to happen. So rather than being caught flat-footed, it's an opportunity to really be forward thinking about where we really want to see ourselves developing and going.”
“I actually am so optimistic about our future and what we can achieve. Somebody who's a climate scientist, people are always asking me, they're like, wow, isn't that depressing? How do you sleep well at night? And I'm like, no, I'm really optimistic.”
“Have those conversations that, yes, our climate is changing and we're the cause and make your voices heard. Don't just talk to your kids, but talk to your friends. Talk to your friend’s kids. Write your mayor. Write your senators. Write to all of your policymakers and let them know that this is it. This is a critical juncture. This is time for us to really make a difference and we need to have our voices be heard.”
How can you listen?
Listen to this conversation on Apple, Google, or Spotify.
And if you just can’t get enough of us, do come hang out with us on on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. We share real tips for real parents, and help you to turn eco-anxiety and gloom into fun and playful action. Plus you’ll regularly see us make fools of ourselves on Instagram reels.
