For me, and I feel like for a lot of kids, we feel this urgency when it comes to the climate crisis.

And we think that if our planet is doomed and why is everything else worth it.

Welcome to Kelly Corgan Wonders. I'm Kelly Corgan.

And this week I'm wondering about the relationship between hope, youth, and progress.

Especially in regard to the climate. I have spent the past few months talking to teen activists about their commitment to reversing or at least mitigating the damage done by burning fossil fuels.

I shared each conversation with a team of climate scientists who call themselves science moms so that we might get a better, fuller picture of the work and the impact of this new generation on the world we share. Join me.

Welcome back to Kelly Corgan Wonders.

Today's episode kicks off a series called All Together Now.

Looking at the success stories of teenagers and scientists leading the charge for changing how we meet our needs without destroying the fundamental balance that makes life unearthed possible.

This conversation featuring teen climate activists, Rahul Durai, and professor, author, and science mom, Dr. Catherine Hayho, was recorded in front of a live audience at WJCT Studios in Jacksonville, Florida.

Thank you so much for having us in Jacksonville, Florida. I'm a first timer. I like it. It feels good. I walked on the beach today.

The thesis that we got from Climate Advocacy Lab says there is a perception that the U.S. public is disengaged and apathetic about climate action, but the numbers don't bear that out.

Instead, we have a problem of pluralistic ignorance. People tend to underestimate the concern felt by their peers and community about climate change and take the apparent silence as further evidence that they're alone in caring about the issue.

Youth climate advocates speaking about the risks and uncertainties facing their generation have been some of the leading and most persuasive voices in this arena.

So tonight, let's break the silence together. My first guest is Rahul Durai. He's coming from West Lafayette, Indiana, where he started an amazing organization that we're going to learn all about. So come on up.

So hard for you to remember this so you might want to write it down on a piece of paper in front of you. Just write down the number 15.

That's how old this guy is. You will not be able to hold on to that as we get started. Okay, so as a quick get to know you speed round. I've got questions for you. You ready?

Yeah. Okay. A favorite high school class. History. Really stunned. First concert. This group called Pink Martini. Go to comfort food.

Lasagna. Most satisfying achievement to date in your young life. It would be starting this climate organization.

That's good. We have a lot of time to talk about that. Sport you love to watch or play. I run. So I do cross country and track in school. What's your event?

In track, I do the mile and sometimes the two mile. What's your best time in a mile? 542. I'm 543. So it's so close there. If you could make one rule everyone in the world would have to follow.

Don't talk over others just listen to others. I'm going to be so slow to respond now. Okay, so let's spend 15 minutes or so getting to know you before we bring up.

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