Extreme Heat. Drought. Water Scarcity. New Net Zero Speaks Episode Explores Why Climate Change Is Becoming Increasingly Local

New Mexico State Climatologist David W. DuBois tells global youth audiences that understanding local climate information is becoming one of our most important tools for protecting communities and preparing for a hotter, drier future.

NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Planet Classroom Network and the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement today announced a new episode of the acclaimed global series Net Zero Speaks featuring David W. DuBois, State Climatologist of New Mexico, Director of the New Mexico Climate Center, and Associate Professor at New Mexico State University.

Hosted by youth climate advocate Ivan Ransom, the episode explores one of the defining climate questions facing communities around the world:

How is climate change changing where you live—and what can communities do to prepare?

As prolonged drought, extreme heat, water scarcity, declining snowpack, dust storms, and worsening air quality reshape life across the American Southwest, DuBois explains why climate change is increasingly experienced through local impacts rather than distant global trends.

Throughout the conversation, DuBois discusses how trusted climate information, community planning, citizen science, and long-term resilience strategies can help communities adapt to a hotter, drier, and less predictable future. Drawing on decades of experience working with farmers, emergency planners, public health officials, educators, and policymakers, he explains why climate resilience begins with understanding what is happening at the local level.

A Leading Voice on Climate Resilience

David W. DuBois serves as State Climatologist of New Mexico and Director of the New Mexico Climate Center, where he leads statewide climate services that collect, analyze, and communicate weather and climate information supporting agriculture, water management, emergency preparedness, public health, and environmental planning.

He also chairs New Mexico’s Drought Monitoring Workgroup and serves as the state’s coordinator for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS) citizen science network, helping connect thousands of local weather observations with scientific research and public decision-making.

His work demonstrates how accurate climate information helps communities make better decisions before disasters occur rather than simply reacting afterward.

From Climate Data to Community Action

One of the episode’s central themes is the importance of turning climate science into practical action.

DuBois explains how 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.

The conversation explores how 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.

Why Youth Voices Matter

For more than fifty episodes, Net Zero Speaks has connected youth climate leaders with many of the world’s foremost scientists, policymakers, engineers, economists, and environmental advocates.

Produced by the Planet Classroom Network in partnership with the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement, the series gives young people direct access to the experts shaping the global transition toward a more sustainable future.

Each episode explores practical solutions, emerging challenges, and the latest scientific developments affecting climate action worldwide.

“Climate change may be global, but people experience it locally,” said C. M. (Cathy) Rubin, Founder and CEO of Planet Classroom. “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.”

Watch the Episode

Net Zero Speaks with David W. DuBois premieres on the Planet Classroom Network YouTube channel.

Learn More

About Net Zero Speaks

Net Zero Speaks is Planet Classroom’s acclaimed climate interview series produced in partnership with the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement. Through conversations between youth climate leaders and leading scientists, policymakers, innovators, and environmental experts, the series explores the solutions, challenges, and breakthroughs shaping the global transition toward a more sustainable future.

More than 50 episodes have been produced, giving young people direct access to the experts helping shape the future of our planet.

About the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement

The Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement mobilizes young people worldwide to advance climate solutions, support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and protect threatened ecosystems.

Through education, storytelling, advocacy, and youth engagement, POP empowers the next generation to become active participants in building a more sustainable future.