The Global Search for Education: Climate Activist Ana Hanhausen Interviews Award Winning Meteorologist Bernadette Woods Placky

This month, audiences can screen Net Zero Speaks with Bernadette Woods Placky on the Planet Classroom Network. This film is part of the Net Zero series curated by the Protect Our Planet Movement and Planet Classroom.

In an insightful interview, Climate Activist Ana Hanhausen from Mexico shares her takeaways from her conversation with Emmy-winning meteorologist Bernadette Woods Placky. They discuss the crucial role of effective reporting in understanding climate change threats. Bernadette highlights her organisation’s contributions to science-based reporting and the importance of partnerships for emissions reduction. She also provides valuable tips for youth interested in a similar professional path. Ana Hanhausen, a Chemical Engineering graduate with honours from Universidad Iberoamericana, is the deputy director of Plastic Oceans Mexico and co-founder of Widu. She actively participates in environmental events and was awarded the Youth Medal of Merit for her climate change awareness work.

The Global Search for Education is pleased to welcome Ana Hanhausen.

Ana, congratulations on your Net Zero show! Why did you decide to interview Bernadette Woods Placky?

I chose to interview Bernadette as a Climate Thought Leader because of how she has used her expertise as a meteorologist to promote impactful work in promoting local climate stories. What inspired me most about her is her commitment to helping people understand the climate crisis and its direct relevance to their lives through local climate stories. She actively utilises her influence to bridge the gap between science and communication while emphasising the importance of spreading accurate climate information to keep people safe and prepared. Her passion for empowering individuals with knowledge, and her ability to make climate change relatable and accessible, are truly inspiring.

What surprised you most about your interview?

I was surprised by how she effectively spreads local climate stories by leveraging local networks and ensuring a wider audience is reached, increasing awareness at the grassroots level. By breaking down global issues into relatable local-scale impacts, she enables individuals to grasp the importance of climate change in their daily lives. I also liked her take on how diverse perspectives and experiences from the stories allow her to promote climate action through empathy and engagement.

Ana, please describe your three main takeaways for the Net Zero audience from your interview with Bernadette.

My first takeaway was how the interview highlighted the vital importance of closing the gap between science and communication and making information more accessible in addressing the climate crisis. As a meteorologist, Bernadette spoke about the significance of relying on scientific data and research to inform climate action effectively.

My second takeaway was that understanding the impact of climate change at a local level is crucial. By connecting global issues to individual communities, people can grasp the immediate effects of climate change and take urgent local action.

Finally, my last takeaway is her message about the importance of partnerships and collaboration in addressing climate change. Given the urgency, we need to work together, share knowledge, and leverage resources to maximise impact and create meaningful change. Additionally, she encouraged curiosity and lifelong learning, recognizing how climate science is constantly evolving and the need to stay informed and adaptable.

Thank you Ana!

C. M. Rubin and Ana Hanhausen

Don’t miss Net Zero Speaks with Bernadette Woods Placky, now streaming on the Planet Classroom Network.  This film is curated by the Protect Our Planet Movement and Planet Classroom.

Author: C. M. Rubin

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