What if climate solutions didn’t start in boardrooms, but in communities? What if local knowledge and youth voices were central to climate action? In this season finale of We the Children, Zach sits down with Dr. Anyse Pereira—a scientist, conservationist, and global climate advocate whose work bridges traditional wisdom and modern science.

Dr. Pereira is a Climate Program Manager with over a decade of experience specializing in climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and environmental policy. Her diverse career, spanning molecular genetics research to representing youth at COP 29, highlights the transformative potential of inclusive, community-led climate strategies. In conversation with Zach, she emphasizes that impactful climate action comes not from top-down initiatives, but from listening to and amplifying resilience practices that communities have relied upon for generations.

Dr. Pereira explains why many global climate programs miss the mark and discusses how prioritizing internal climate literacy ensures staff and leaders become effective advocates. She and Zach also unpack the complexities and outcomes of COP 29, highlighting the essential role of youth involvement and intergenerational equity in climate negotiations.

This episode is a powerful reminder that sustainable solutions emerge when communities lead, combining their insights with scientific innovation. For Dr. Pereira, true resilience empowers people and ecosystems alike—ensuring both can thrive in a changing world.

Highlights:

• How traditional knowledge shaped Anyse’s scientific career (03:50)
• Why many global climate programs miss the mark (05:55)
• What sustainable resilience really means (09:45)
• Mercy Corps’ approach to climate literacy and internal advocacy (11:30)
• What happened at COP 29—and why funding matters (14:40)
• Why youth voices must be included in climate decisions (17:05)
• Advice for young people who want to make a difference (21:00)

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Mercy Corps → mercycorps.org
• Explore COP 29 and the UNFCCC → unfccc.int
• Read about Intergenerational Equity → UNICEF & Climate Justice
• Follow climate youth movements → Fridays for Future

Thank you for listening, Climate Kids! That wraps up Season 3, but if you like what you hear more, please subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Also check out our website wethechildrenpodcast.com. Keep an eye on our socials for various events Zach will be attending or speaking at! See you soon.

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What if every school made climate education a priority? What if students everywhere had the tools to take real action in their communities? In this episode of We the Children, Zach and Clare dive into these big questions with two inspiring guests from EarthDay.org, Dennis Nolasco and Emily Walker.

Dennis and Emily didn’t set out to become climate educators—they were teachers first. But when wildfires darkened their skies and students asked tough questions, they realized something was missing from the classroom: a real understanding of climate change. Now, through EarthDay.org, they’re working to integrate climate education into schools across the world, ensuring that kids today are equipped with the knowledge and skills to shape a greener future.

From the power of small actions—like signing petitions and planting trees—to the systemic changes needed to bring climate education into every subject, Dennis and Emily share their vision for a more informed and engaged generation. Plus, Zach and Clare imagine the ultimate Earth Day celebration, complete with high-speed ziplines, rooftop jungles, and yes—Operation Dolphin Commute.

• How climate disasters in their own communities shaped Dennis and Emily’s mission (03:34)
• Why climate education needs to be in every subject, not just science class (09:53)
• How policy changes can bring climate education into every school (12:24)
• What would happen if all single-use plastics disappeared overnight? (18:07)
• What gives Dennis and Emily hope for the future (23:49)

• Learn more about EarthDay.org and their education initiatives → EarthDay.org
• Explore climate education resources for teachers → Subject to Climate
• Join an Earth Day event or register your own → EarthDay.org/TakeAction
• Sign petitions for stronger environmental policies → EarthDay Petitions

Thank you for listening, Climate Kids! If you like what you hear, please subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. And be sure to check out our website wethechildrenpodcast.com. We can't wait to hear from you!

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Have you ever dreamed of exploring the deep sea, uncovering lost treasures, or even launching your own robot into the unknown? Today, Zach and Clare dive into the world of underwater exploration with Eric Stackpole, an engineer, inventor, and deep-sea explorer who has spent his career building tools to help us see the world in new ways.

From a childhood spent exploring caves to designing satellites at NASA, Eric’s path led him to create OpenROV, a company that started as a DIY project to search for sunken treasure and turned into a global movement for ocean discovery. Now, as part of SoFar Ocean Technologies, Eric is working to turn the entire ocean into a real-time data network, using thousands of sensors to track waves, wind, and climate patterns.

In this episode, Eric shares how curiosity drives innovation, the thrill of launching robotic submarines into unexplored waters, and why the future of ocean science depends on making technology accessible to everyone. Whether it’s piloting a robot under Antarctic ice, dropping sensors into hurricanes, or collaborating with James Cameron on deep-sea exploration, Eric’s adventures show that the best explorers don’t wait for permission—they build, tinker, and dive in.

• How a DIY underwater robot launched a global movement (06:42)
• The role of OpenROV in citizen science (10:15)
• Why ocean exploration matters for climate science (13:55)
• How SoFar Ocean is turning the ocean into a data network (18:30)
• The future of underwater technology and deep-sea discovery (22:45)
• How kids can get involved in ocean exploration (27:15)
• 
  

Thank you for listening, Climate Kids! If you like what you hear, please subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. And be sure to check out our website wethechildrenpodcast.com. We can't wait to hear from you!

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For thousands of years, fire has shaped the landscapes of places like Yosemite National Park. But in a world of rising temperatures and longer fire seasons, understanding fire as a natural force is more important than ever.

In this episode, Zach and Clare journey to Yosemite to meet Garrett Dickman, a forest ecologist dedicated to protecting giant sequoias, restoring ecosystems, and rethinking how we manage fire. They explore how Indigenous fire management practices have long helped maintain biodiversity, how invasive plants make wildfires more destructive, and what’s being done to safeguard these ancient trees from threats like drought and pests.

You’ll discover why fire isn’t just a force of destruction, but a necessary part of healthy forests, how restoration efforts helped save the famous Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias, and why even small actions—like learning, playing and exploring—help shape a more resilient future.

• Why fire is a natural and necessary part of forests (02:18)
• Meet Garrett Dickman, a forest ecologist in Yosemite (02:23)
• The hidden threat of invasive plants (04:45)
• How Indigenous fire practices help protect the land (08:13)
• Saving giant sequoias: The Mariposa Grove story (12:28)
• The impact of drought and pests on sequoias (20:15)
• How kids can take action, even in small ways (23:06)

Thanks for listening, Climate Kids! Please subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to check out our website wethechildrenpodcast.com. We'd love to hear from you!

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With over 15 years of experience, Dan Allen, CEO of Farmscape, shares how his team is transforming urban areas into thriving edible gardens while reconnecting communities with sustainable food production.

In this episode, Zach, Clare, and the Nexus Bot dive into Dan’s journey from a love of gardening to leading California’s largest urban farming company. They explore the environmental benefits of growing your own food, from reducing carbon footprints to boosting biodiversity and making fresh, nutrient-rich produce accessible. Dan also shares insights on native plants, balancing aesthetics with sustainability, and innovative solutions like agrihoods and community gardens that combine housing and food production.

You’ll discover Farmscape’s approach to integrating nature into urban environments, the potential of urban farming to tackle climate change and food insecurity, and how even small actions—like growing an herb pot—can make a big impact.

Episode Highlights:

• Meet Dan Allen and Farmscape’s mission (01:06)
• How growing your own food helps the planet (03:02)
• The joys of fresh, homegrown produce (04:12)
• Urban farming and its role in reshaping cities (06:23)
• What are berms and swales? (09:04)
• Trends in urban agriculture (17:19)
• Community engagement and agrihoods (13:26)
• How to get started with urban farming (20:52)
• Farmscape’s evolution and lasting impact (23:24)
• 
  

Thanks for listening, Climate Kids! Please subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to check out our website wethechildrenpodcast.com. We'd love to hear from you!

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Wildlife ecologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Ruthmery Pillco Huarcaya joins Zach and Clare to share her incredible journey from growing up in a small Andean village to leading groundbreaking conservation efforts for the iconic Andean bear. As a trilingual Indigenous Peruvian biologist, Ruthmery brings a unique perspective to her work, blending scientific innovation with cultural and community engagement.

In this episode, Ruthmery discusses the challenges Andean bears face, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change, and highlights the vital role of these bears in maintaining biodiversity. She shares how cutting-edge tools like GPS collars and camera traps help uncover the secrets of bear behavior, as well as how her trusty dog, Ukuku, plays a key role in her fieldwork.

You'll also learn about Ruthmery’s work in environmental education, including the creation of a Bear Interpretation Center to inspire local children and communities to take an active role in conservation. Her incredible story reflects her deep commitment to protecting the cloud forest and the species that call it home.

Episode Highlights:

Meet Ruthmery Pillco Huarcaya (01:02)

The Challenges Facing Andean Bears (05:15)

The Role of Cloud Forests in Conservation (06:39)

Technology and Bear Tracking (15:42)

Cultural Significance of Andean Bears (10:17)

Engaging Communities in Conservation (08:42)

The Bear Interpretation Center and Its Impact (25:24)

The Next Generation’s Role in Climate Action (26:36)

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Also, check out our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com). We love to hear from you!

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What’s your role in saving the planet? Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson-- Marine biologist and the author of What If We Get It Right: Visions of Climate Futures, joins Zach and Clare to discuss pressing topics like the need to protect and restore natural ecosystems, rethink industrial agriculture, and enhance energy efficiency. Dr. Johnson shines a spotlight on innovative solutions in ocean conservation, including regenerative ocean farming and the critical role of coastal ecosystems in combating climate change

Listeners are introduced to Dr. Johnson’s Climate Venn Diagram. It's a practical framework that encourages individuals to find their unique role in climate action by aligning their skills, passions, and the planet’s needs. She offers examples of how this approach can empower people from all walks of life to contribute meaningfully to climate solutions.

Zach and Clare highlight Dr. Johnson’s focus on climate justice, emphasizing fairness in tackling the crisis and ensuring that vulnerable communities have a voice in creating solutions. Dr. Johnson inspires young listeners to get involved at local levels, from starting climate clubs in schools to participating in citizen science projects. And her message is clear—every effort counts, and together we can create a more sustainable, just, and hopeful future.

Episode Highlights:

Meet Dr. Ayanna Elizabeth Johnson (01:02)

The Climate Venn Diagram (02:25)

Visions of Climate Futures (06:06)

The Role of Nature in Climate Solutions (09:34)

The Importance of Coastal Ecosystems (20:21)

Citizen Science and Youth Involvement (22:12)

Climate Justice and Fairness (23:23)

Resilience and Motivation in Climate Action (26:18)

Conclusion and Call to Action (29:15)

Voice of Hope - Eric Stackpole (30:19)

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Also, check out our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com). We love to hear from you!

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In this episode, Zach and Clare venture into the Quantum Nexus to explore the fascinating intersection of quantum physics and climate science with Dr. Brad Marston, a physicist from Brown University. Dr. Marston unpacks how quantum mechanics connects to climate systems, from understanding the role of quantum waves in Earth’s atmosphere to the potential of quantum computers for solving complex climate models. The discussion dives into innovative carbon capture methods like enhanced rock weathering, the importance of collaboration among scientists, and the remarkable beauty of our planet’s climate system. Dr. Marston leaves us with an inspiring reminder: while the science is complex, the steps we take to protect our planet can start with appreciation and teamwork.

So, join Zach and Clare for a mind-expanding journey that’s part science, part inspiration, and all about how we can better understand—and care for—our world.

Episode Highlights:

• Stepping into the Quantum Nexus (00:00)
• Meeting Dr. Brad Marston (02:03)
• How quantum physics links to climate science (02:33)
• Understanding quantum matter physics (03:53)
• Waves, energy, and the climate system (07:38)
• Enhanced rock weathering and carbon removal (16:37)
• Collaboration in climate science (20:01)
• The promise of quantum computers (22:10)
• A hopeful vision for the future (26:25)

Links:

• American Physical Society
• The Quantum Physics of Climate Change (video)
• We the Children Educator’s Toolkit

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Also, check out our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com). We love to hear form you!

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In this episode of We The Children, Zach and Clare travel to Berkeley, California, to meet environmental activist Annie Leonard. With nearly 50 years of experience in environmental advocacy, Annie has been a driving force behind movements to rethink consumerism, waste, and corporate responsibility. From her early days as a self-proclaimed "garbage spy" to creating The Story of Stuff and leading Greenpeace USA, Annie’s work has exposed the hidden costs of overconsumption and pollution.

Zach and Clare explore Annie’s journey, from witnessing clear-cut forests as a child to tracking global waste dumping and tackling the growing plastic crisis. She explains why our love of stuff is out of control and how young people can lead the movement for systemic change. The conversation highlights solutions like the sharing economy, responsible design, and political action. Plus, they dive into Annie’s latest work with the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, advocating for leaders who prioritize climate action.

• Annie’s background and early activism (00:01:33)
• The clear-cutting moment that sparked her environmental passion (00:03:56)
• Becoming a "garbage spy" and tracking waste across the world (00:05:21)
• The impact of The Story of Stuff and what’s changed since its release (00:12:06)
• The Great Pacific Garbage Patch and the crisis of plastic pollution (00:15:08)
• Why recycling alone isn’t the solution (00:18:22)
• The importance of political action and Annie’s work with the Jane Fonda Climate PAC (00:22:40)
• Choosing hope as an act of resistance (00:26:26)
• How young people can drive community-led climate action (00:27:43)

• The Story of Stuff – www.storyofstuff.org
• Jane Fonda Climate PAC – www.janepac.com
• Stoked Plastics – www.stokedplastics.com
• Take a landfill tour near you to see where your waste goes!

Thank you for listening, Climate Kids! If you like what you hear, please subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. And be sure to check out our website wethechildrenpodcast.com. We can't wait to hear from you!

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Hi everyone, and welcome back to Season Three of We the Children! This season, we're meeting even more incredible change-makers—from scientists to young climate heroes—who will inspire us with their amazing stories and big ideas. Plus, Zach has an exciting surprise: a brand-new 'Climate Command Center,' a hub of imagination and adventure ready to whisk Zach and Clare around the world as they explore how we can all make a difference for our planet.

Our first guest of the season is making a global impact of his own. Koen Timmers is a Belgian environmentalist and educator who is raising the bar on climate education internationally. He’s the founder of the Kakuma Project, which has provided free, quality education to thousands of refugees since 2015, and the Climate Action Project, which has connected over 5 million students across 168 countries since 2017.

Koen is passionate about how technology and collaboration can enhance learning, and today, he shares why taking action is just as important as learning the facts. So buckle up! It’s time to join Zach in the Climate Command Center and blast off to Belgium to meet Koen Timmers.

• Koen Timmers' journey to climate advocacy (03:54)
• Climate Action Education: A New Approach (06:43)
• Combining academics and action in climate education (11:45)
• "Gamifying" education with technology (12:57)
• Examples of students' climate action projects (15:49)
• What does it mean to be a global citizen? (21:48)
• Take action with Ridwell (25:47)

• We the Children Educator's Toolkit
• Koen Timmers Website
• EarthProject App
• Climate Action Project
• The Kakuma Project
• Lego's Build the Change
• Book: Game Changer by Koen Timmers
• Ridwell
• The Earth Prize 2024 Winners

Subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/wethechildrenpodcast) and Instagram (@we_the_children_podcast). Also, please visit our website (wethechildrenpodcast.com) and leave us a voice message or email if you want to stay in touch or engage with episode questions!

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