New York – September 09, 2026 -- A new episode of the climate interview series Net Zero Speaks features David W. DuBois, State Climatologist of New Mexico, discussing why extreme heat, drought, and water scarcity are becoming hyper-local problems rather than distant global statistics.
DuBois links declining snowpack and dust storms to daily life in the Southwest
Hosted by youth climate advocate Ivan Ransom, the episode examines how prolonged drought, worsening air quality, and declining mountain snowpack are already reshaping agriculture, water management, and emergency planning across the American Southwest. DuBois, who also directs the New Mexico Climate Center and chairs the state's Drought Monitoring Workgroup, argues that communities need hyper-local data to prepare rather than react.
Citizen scientists feed thousands of weather observations into state planning
DuBois serves as New Mexico's coordinator for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS) network, which connects thousands of local weather observations submitted by volunteers to research and public decision-making. He tells the youth-hosted program that this kind of grassroots data collection, combined with stronger communication between scientists and local officials, helps farmers, emergency planners, and public health officials act before disasters hit.
The series has produced more than 50 episodes connecting youth with scientists
Net Zero Speaks is produced by the Planet Classroom Network in partnership with the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement, and has released over 50 episodes pairing young climate advocates with scientists, policymakers, and environmental experts. "Climate change may be global, but people experience it locally," said C. M. (Cathy) Rubin, Founder and CEO of Planet Classroom, adding that better local information and informed citizens are among the most powerful tools for building resilience.
The episode premieres on the Planet Classroom Network's YouTube channel.