Hello everyone,

I hope this post finds you all doing well. Today, I’m so excited to share with you my incredible experience of interviewing a renowned climate scientist, Dr. Steven Clemens, a Professor at Brown University. Not only is Dr. Clemens an expert in his field, but he also shares a captivating enthusiasm for understanding our planet and its climate. We had an amazing discussion about his journey into climate research and his predictions about how climate change might affect monsoon systems. So let’s dive in!

I had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Clemens on June 23, 2021. Now, you might be wondering, why am I, a 14-year-old, interviewing a prominent climate researcher? Well, I have a deep-rooted interest in environmental sciences, particularly climate change, and I figured, why not learn from the best?

Dr. Clemens’ specialty lies in reconstructing changes in monsoonal rainfall, focusing on the Indian and East Asian systems. Monsoons are a fascinating phenomenon, and they play a vital role in the lives of millions of people, affecting everything from agriculture to the availability of water.

During our conversation, I was amazed by the path that led Dr. Clemens to climate research. He shared his early fascination with the physical world, his university years, and how he found his way to climatology. But what struck me most was his genuine passion for his work, something that he has maintained throughout his career. This reminded me of the importance of finding what truly excites you and pursuing it with everything you have.

One of the major discussion points was about the potential impact of climate change on monsoon systems. Dr. Clemens noted the alarming rate at which our planet is warming and how it can lead to more extreme weather events. He explained that a warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, leading to the potential for heavier monsoonal rainfall in certain areas. Conversely, other areas could face reduced rainfall, potentially leading to drought conditions. The unpredictability and extremity of monsoons due to climate change could pose significant challenges to the regions that depend on them.

On a more hopeful note, Dr. Clemens told me about his upcoming field research in late 2022. With new technology and data collection techniques, he is excited to further explore the monsoon systems and contribute valuable findings to our understanding of climate change. His optimism about scientific progress was inspiring and a reminder that we have the tools to make a difference.

Our interview ended with a piece of advice for young people like me interested in science. Dr. Clemens encouraged us to stay curious, ask questions, and never shy away from challenges. “Science,” he said, “is about discovery and pushing the boundaries of our knowledge.”

Meeting Dr. Clemens and learning about his work was truly inspiring. It reminded me of how interconnected our world is and how crucial it is to understand these connections to protect our planet. As I continue my journey in learning about environmental sciences, I’m even more motivated to keep asking questions, exploring, and hopefully, one day, making my own contributions to this important field.

Until next time,
Aryan