Our Climate is so excited to welcome Savanna Neb to our team as our new Federal Field Organizer! In her new role, Savanna manages our Federal Field Program and team of Federal student leaders. Read our interview with Savanna below to hear about her commitment to intersectional climate justice, her journey to become a marina biologist, and her cat-son Luther!
What’s a song that energizes you?
Savanna can be reached at Savanna@ourclimate.us. She is on instagram at @bamarooski (and would like to add that the name is a long story)
Where are you based now, and where is “home” for you?
I am based in D.C. but I am originally from a small farm town in Colorado called Yuma
What drew you to Our Climate and the climate movement in general?
While living in a small community in Costa Rica I witnessed and experienced the devastation that comes at the intersection of natural disasters driven by anthropogenic climate change and poverty. This shifted my career focus from field marine biology to climate justice advocacy and policy. Our Climate being youth-led and focused heavily on justice through policy for frontline communities is what drew me to this position!
What is something you are really proud of, either in your professional or personal life?
Growing up completely landlocked in small town Colorado, I saw the ocean only one time before deciding to become a marine biologist. I was met with shock, laughs, and many doubts that I would become just that. Not only had I seen the ocean one time, but none of my family had ever earned a degree past high school. Determined to follow my dreams and become the first of my family to attend a four-year university, I went to the University of Oregon where I got my Bachelor of Science in marine biology with a minor in cultural anthropology. I then went on to get my Master of Professional Science in marine conservation from the University of Miami – RSMAS, focusing in environmental law and policy and climate justice advocacy. I made my very large and seemingly unattainable dreams as a 15-year-old farm girl come true, plus some. I am very proud to be a first-generation student and to be able to show young people – girls especially – that no dream is too big!.
What does climate justice mean to you?
Climate justice, to me, means resources for frontline communities that don’t just allow them to survive, but instead help them to thrive. Climate justice, to me, means equity, intersectional policy, community-centered support, and reparations. Frontline communities are closest to the issues and therefore closest to the solutions. These communities do not simply deserve a seat at the table, but instead deserve to run the table with the support of scientists, organizations, and policy makers.
Organizing in the climate movement can be tiring work. What is your favorite way to relax, take care of yourself, or unplug from work?
To go out into nature, dance around my house or with friends, or cuddle with my cat-son Luther!
When (or where!) are you at your happiest?
By the Ocean (specifically the Pacific Ocean) – she’s my grounding point!
What’s a song that energizes you?
Pepas by Farruko
Would you like to share any other fun, potentially unknown facts about yourself? Ideas could be a hidden talent, favorite hobby, side hustle, etc.
A relatively unknown hobby of mine is that I love to craft – specifically paint!
Savanna can be reached at Savanna@ourclimate.us. She is on instagram at @bamarooski (and would like to add that the name is a long story)