Water Wisdom: A deep dive into wildfires and water conservation with Dr. Faith Kearns

Summary:

For the most arid areas of our planet, water conservation and wildfires have always been hot topics. Climate change and a warming planet, however, have escalated this important conversation. It is now more necessary than ever to understand the impacts climate change will have on our water supply and weather, and come up with strategies to address them.

Having grown up in Arizona, one of the driest places in the United States, our guest this episode hasn't just learned about the importance of water conservation—she's lived it! Dr. Faith Kearns is a scientist and science communication practitioner who writes, works on, and talks about water, wildfire, and climate change issues in the southwestern United States. Author of the award-winning book Getting to the Heart of Science Communication, her work has been published in New Republic, On Being, Bay Nature, and more. Dr. Kearns is also co-host of the podcast "Water Talk."

In this episode, we'll learn about the interconnectedness of water conservation and wildfires, and explore the effects climate change is having on both. We'll also explore the concept of "eco emotions" and how to communicate about climate change effectively and compassionately.

Listen along with your friends, parents, and teachers as we share discussion questions and helpful definitions...there’s even a quiz at the end of the episode to practice what you learned. Now, let's all take a deep breath and plunge into the world of water conservation with Dr. Faith Kearns!

Highlights:

• Dr. Kearns' childhood experience with wildfire (03:00)
• How are water conservation, drought, and wildfires connected? (07:12)
• Water's importance for humans and agriculture (09:35)
• What is science communication? (18:21)
• "Eco emotions" and climate-related anxiety in young people (21:15)
• Creative solutions to address drought and water conservation (24:34)
• How can individuals promote water conservation locally? (28:48)
• Wrap Up & Quiz! (30:24)

Links:

Website: Dr. Faith Kearns

Book: Getting to the Heart of Science Communication by Faith Kearns

Book: All the Feelings Under the Sun by Leslie Davenport

Podcast: Water Talk

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