Climate Change and Education: Insights from Meteorologist Kaitlyn McGrath

As we launch two new Earth-science-focused programs, Earth Odyssey and Observation Earth, we had the opportunity to sit down with Kaitlyn McGrath, a Meteorologist & Climate Reporter at WUSA and a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Earth Odyssey. Kaitlyn shared her insights on climate change and why we should all be paying attention…

How did you become interested in climate science? 

“I am someone who loves being outside; when I’m not working, you’ll find me running, biking, hiking, skiing…pretty much anything that allows me to enjoy nature! So, my passion for climate science and environmental conservation really stems from wanting future generations to enjoy our planet the same way I have been able to.”

How has your role as a meteorologist and climate reporter evolved over the past years?

“As the climate is changing, so is my job! The role of a Meteorologist is about so much more than forecasting and communicating the weather. While my passion for my job stems from a love of the atmosphere, we are seeing weather patterns and weather extremes change in our warming climate. I see this as a tremendous responsibility to educate viewers about these changes. That’s why in addition to my role as a Meteorologist, I also report on climate change and environmental issues.”

What are some ways you’ve observed changes in our weather that are a direct result of climate change?

“Warming global temperatures are directly linked to a number of quantifiable weather changes. Warmer oceans help fuel stronger storms. A warmer atmosphere also holds more moisture, increasing rainfall intensity and frequency, which can lead to more severe floods. 

We’re also seeing local and global impacts from melting glaciers and polar ice. Higher temperatures have led to more frequent and more intense heatwaves. Hotter conditions can also lead to longer dry periods and more severe droughts.”

Can you explain why a slight increase in temperature, while seemingly harmless, can cause long-lasting impacts?

“The roughly two-degree Fahrenheit increase in global average surface temperatures since the early 1900s doesn’t sound like much – however, when you consider the size of the globe and the magnitude of our oceans, it becomes easier to understand the massive amount of heat required to raise average yearly surface temperatures. For every 1 degree Fahrenheit the Earth warms, the atmosphere is able to hold an extra 4% of moisture. So while seemingly small, these degrees are having a huge impact on the atmosphere and ecosystem.”

What can we do to enact positive change in our day-to-day lives?

“There are so many ways that everyone, in every stage of life, can make a positive impact when it comes to climate action and climate communication. Making small, daily decisions like limiting waste, properly recycling, choosing greener transportation, and reducing energy consumption can make a huge difference. You can also get involved with your community by participating in initiatives like tree planting, invasive species removal, and trash pick-ups. Anything we can do to protect the environment against climate impacts helps. 

And while personal actions are important, there are also many changes that need to be made at a policy level. The importance of supporting and prioritizing climate action and environmental policies cannot be understated.”

Teach climate change with Challenger Center…

Our two new Earth-science-focused programs are great ways to educate students on the importance of climate science in fun and engaging ways.  

In Earth Odyssey, a Center Mission, a satellite that’s been collecting data about Earth is malfunctioning. Your students will collaborate to capture the satellite using a robotic arm, download the data, and identify new information to analyze, test, and explore Earth. When an emergency arises, the crews will work together to overcome an impactful weather event. It’s up to your students to work together to make this mission a complete success.

In Observation Earth, a Virtual Mission, Earth-monitoring sensors on the International Space Station are outdated and need to be replaced with new, state-of-the-art hardware. Your students will work together to capture a cargo craft using a robotic arm, monitor astronauts during a spacewalk as they install the new sensors, and analyze data from Earth-monitoring satellites.  The data retrieved from this mission are critical for scientists as they continue to investigate our Earth and how it is changing.