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
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