We The Children - Kids Talk Climate Solutions

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)

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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.

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.

Episode Highlights:

• 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)

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)
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