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 )

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Mercy Corps → mercycorps.org
• Explore COP 29 and the UNFCCC → unfccc.int
• Read about Intergenerational Equity → UNICEF & Climate Justice
• Follow climate youth movements → Fridays for Future

Thank you for listening, Climate Kids! That wraps up Season 3, but if you like what you hear more, please subscribe to We the Children on Spotify, Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Also check out our website wethechildrenpodcast.com. Keep an eye on our socials for various events Zach will be attending or speaking at! See you soon.

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