Peter Kalmus attended Harvard University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in physics. He also has a PhD from Columbia University and has done Postdoctoral studies at Cal Tech. At work at JPL Peter studies the physics of clouds in a changing climate, and at home he explores how we can address climate change while living happier more connected lives.
Peter is very concerned about the effects of global warming and gave many statistical examples showing its occurrence: the increase in ocean temperature, ice melting and the increase of hurricanes and wild fires. Climate change is an emergency. Global warming is intertwined deeply with our lives, physically, socially, and spiritually. He asked, how could we respond as individuals? Because burning fossil fuel is what’s causing global warming, the central focus is to avoid burning it! What can we do as individuals? His suggestions are to discuss the problem with friends., join a group that is advocating warming change, “walk the talk” by using less fossil fuel in your life, and work within your community to help neighbors, cities, schools, and churches use less fossil fuel.
Peter mentioned Greta Thunberg, a Swedish teenage environmental activist on climate change, whose campaigning has gained international recognition. Thunberg first became known for her activism in August 2018 when, at age 15, she began spending her school days outside the Swedish parliament to call for stronger action on global warming by holding up a sign saying “School strike for climate”. Soon, other students engaged in similar protests in their own communities. Together, they organized a school climate strike movement under the name “Fridays for Future.” Student strikes take place every week somewhere in the world. In 2019 there were at least two coordinated multi-city protests involving over one million students. Greta will be in Los Angles this Friday to lead a strike.
Peter Kalmus stated that as individuals we need to do our part, and also let the public know the consequences of not acting to reduce global warming.