What's Happening?
Avery Schuyler Nunn, a 2015 alumna, is being spotlighted for her extensive work as a journalist, writer, photographer, professor, explorer, freediver, surfer, and nature enthusiast. Nunn defines herself as a 'student of the earth,' influenced by her upbringing
near Philadelphia's Wissahickon and summers at the beach. She travels globally, reporting on the impacts of climate change on various ecosystems, including how Antarctica's warming climate affects penguin species. Her work has taken her from the Gorringe Seamount off Portugal to the Sunflower Star Laboratory in California, where she documents marine life and 'lost kelp forests.' Nunn, a graduate of Columbia Journalism School, is currently on contract with National Geographic and teaches science journalism at Cal Poly. She also runs 'Earthward,' a mentorship program for emerging nature storytellers and science journalists. Her articles have appeared in Scientific American, Popular Science, Atmos, and Nautilus.
Why It's Important?
Nunn's work is important because it highlights the critical issue of climate change and its tangible effects on global ecosystems, from polar regions to marine environments. By reporting on these changes, she brings complex scientific concepts to a broader audience, fostering greater public awareness and understanding of environmental challenges. Her dedication to documenting and communicating these issues through various media, including photography and poetic prose, helps to bridge the gap between scientific research and public perception. Furthermore, her mentorship program, 'Earthward,' plays a vital role in cultivating the next generation of environmental communicators, ensuring that critical stories about the planet continue to be told and understood. Her efforts contribute to a more informed public discourse on environmental stewardship and conservation.
What's Next?
Avery Schuyler Nunn is expected to continue her work with National Geographic and other publications, further exploring and reporting on environmental issues worldwide. Her role as a science journalism professor at Cal Poly and her 'Earthward' mentorship program will likely continue to influence and train aspiring journalists, ensuring a sustained focus on environmental storytelling. Future projects may involve new expeditions to document climate change impacts in different regions or deeper dives into specific ecological challenges. Her ongoing contributions are anticipated to maintain public engagement with environmental science and conservation efforts, potentially inspiring further action and policy discussions related to climate change and ecosystem preservation.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the immediate reporting, Nunn's work underscores the profound ethical responsibility of journalism in an era of environmental crisis. Her approach, which combines scientific rigor with evocative storytelling, highlights the power of narrative to connect audiences with distant and often abstract environmental challenges. By emphasizing the interconnectedness of global ecosystems and human lives, she challenges the perception that environmental issues are geographically isolated. Her dedication to 'paying attention, being astonished, and telling about it' reflects a deeper cultural shift towards valuing and preserving the natural world. This commitment not only informs but also inspires a sense of wonder and urgency, potentially fostering a more proactive and engaged citizenry in environmental advocacy and sustainable practices.
