Interview Notes
Syris Valentine, writer and creator of Just Progress, shares how science, activism, and writing meet in his work on climate action. He studied planetary science, worked in community organizing, and now writes for outlets like The Atlantic and Atmos. His focus is on climate justice and how stories move people more than data.
Syris explains what a just transition looks like through real examples such as the PODER Emma cooperative in Asheville. He talks about local action, shared ownership, and building community systems that last. He also speaks about burnout, depression, and the role of therapy and time outdoors.
He gives students direct advice on staying consistent, creating without fear, and starting where they are. From book clubs to local storytelling, he shows how ideas spread when people work together. He ends by reminding students that stories shape culture and influence future policies.
Watch the episode to learn how your story can help build stronger communities and better climate solutions.
Key Questions Discussed
- How did Syris’s background in science and activism lead him to journalism?
- Are winding, non-linear career paths common in climate work?
- Why are stories more powerful than data in driving climate action?
- What does a just transition look like in real communities?
- How can students act locally and think systemically about climate change?
- How do social media, writing, and storytelling connect to activism?
- What practices help recognize and recover from burnout?
- How can hope stay alive in an uncertain climate future?
- Can small creative acts and student stories truly shape policy?
Who is Syris Valentine?
Annie Lambert
specializes in creating authoritative content on marketing, business, and finance, with a versatile ability to handle any essay type and dissertations. With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a passion for social issues, her writing not only educates but also inspires action. On EssayPro blog, Annie delivers detailed guides and thought-provoking discussions on pressing economic and social topics. When not writing, she’s a guest speaker at various business seminars.
