Dr. James Hansen, the nation’s leading climate scientist, is most recognizable as the scientist who sounded the alarm about climate change at a Senate hearing in 1988. Following Dr. Hansen’s testimony, global warming first gained international awareness. In recent years, Dr. Hansen has become an activist for action to mitigate the effects of climate change, which on a few occasions has led to his arrest. He often touts the concept of intergenerational justice — the idea that we must preserve the earth’s climate for the benefit of future generations.
Miss Rebekah Rowe is a 10-year-old avid CCAN supporter who has recently signed up to join us for her fourth Polar Bear Plunge! She is one of our most-inspiring and most passionate budding activists.
Hear directly from Dr. Hansen and Rebekah about why they plan to join CCAN for our 7th Annual Polar Bear Plunge on January 21, 2012.
Dr. James Hansen
CCAN: What do you want people to know about why you’re doing the polar bear plunge?
JH: It’s for young people and nature. The title of the paper I am working on right now is “The Case for Young People and Nature”.
CCAN: How do you see climate change impacting your life and the lives of your children and grandchildren?
JH: Hopefully very little — if we can get people to put enough pressure on governments now — otherwise their quality of life will decline from ours.
CCAN: What do you see as the role of young people like Rebecca in stabilizing our climate?
JH: Reminding old geezers of their responsibility to young people.
CCAN: What climate change hero would you want to high five?
JH: Your youngest participant.
Rebekah Rowe
CCAN: What do you want people to know about why you have done the plunge three times and are doing it again this year?
RR: I saw a movie about the polar bears and I was so upset my Mom had to pull me out of the theater. I was angry that polar bears are dying. Lisa Lincoln showed me this event {the Polar Bear Plunge} and gave me the chance to do something about the polar bears. Now I do it for more than that. It is for the penguins, and the seals. Oh and seals are now one of my favorite animals.
CCAN: What advice would you give someone who’s considering joining us at the Polar Bear Plunge?
RR: Do it from your heart and not from your fear.
CCAN: How do you see climate change impacting your life?
RR: We seem to have more hurricanes this year. The storms when they come, are stronger and scary. Going out in December without a coat on is just wrong. But my Mom is from Ohio and she has seen colder winters!
CCAN: What is your advice for Jim on how to warm up after the plunge?
RR: Have hot chocolate! Eat something warm.
CCAN: What climate change hero would you want to high five?
RR: Jane Goodall
