While the Climate Science Alliance is composed of a large, diverse network of stakeholders and community members - there is a core team working hard behind the scenes to connect the climate dots. We invite you to get to know our team and what drives them in this fun new series.
Team Member: Dr. Amber Pairis
Position: Executive Director and Founder
Describe What You Do With the Climate Science Alliance:
It is my responsibility to create a space where people can come together to share ideas, to find common ground, and to advance actions that will help safeguard our communities and natural resources from the impacts of our changing climate. The Alliance is unique in that our focus areas and the projects we work on are continually changing to meet the needs of our community partners. I’m incredibly proud of the work that we do, the phenomenal and diverse network of partners that drive our work, and the small but mighty team who puts their heart into all they do.
Why do you do this work?
This is not a job, it is my life. I have worked hard to get to a place where I can dedicate my passion, energy, expertise, and enthusiasm to something that I believe in with all my heart. I have always loved nature and have been privileged to have a life and an education that allowed me to follow my heart, and pursue a path that provides a service, supports others, and allows me to work collaboratively to create a better future.
Of the 10 Things You Can Do to Protect the Earth - Which one do you commit to doing and why?
I try to do all 10 consistently but the one closest to my heart is growing plants for the pollinators. I love all the birds, bees, butterflies, spiders, plants, and all the amazing creatures that make our world so diverse. Spending time outdoors and loving on my garden is a year round source of smiles and a happy heart. I love that I can create a place that nurtures and provides food for the pollinators and my family.
What gives you Climate Hope?
I see glimmers of climate hope everywhere. It’s easy to be inspired by our youth who are honest and aware of what they have inherited yet are moving forward with courage and creative solutions that will change the future. I see glimmers of hope in the changes that our society is making even if they are small and the elevation of the voices in our community that are driving that change.
What is Your Life Motto or Favorite Quote?
Strategic and Intentional—we have just one life, one chance, and we need to take advantage of every second.
What is the last thing you read, watched, or listened to that inspired you?
Simplissime : Le livre de cuisine le + facile du monde—an amazing French cookbook with delicious recipes that require 2-6 ingredients, less than 30 mins of prep, and a chance to practice my French. Food is important in our family and this cookbook specifically connects my husband and children to their French roots. My grandmothers used food as a means of showering love, attention, and sustenance on those they loved and I take comfort in preparing and enjoying the texture, taste, and experience that a homemade meal creates. I love exploring new ways to bring delicious foods to the table and sharing my love with my family and friends. The English version is Simplissime: The Easiest French Cookbook in the World by Jean-Francois Mallet.
What do you like to do for fun?
Spending time outside in nature or in my garden where I can watch birds, talk to the plants, and dig my fingers and toes deep into the ground. If you are not covered in dirt and pollen and have leaves in your hair and dirt under your nails then it wasn’t a productive day.
Tell us one thing on your bucket list.
To visit the Monarch butterflies in Michoacán.
Favorite meme?
To learn more about the Climate Science Alliance and the work we do, please visit us at: www.climatesciencealliance.org
