National Day of Awareness on Climate Change: So What About Me?

On March 16, 2021, Escola Hopeful hosted a provocative and inspiring conversation to mark Brazil’s National Day of Awareness on Climate Change. With the title “So What About Me?”, the event was a direct call to individual and collective responsibility in the face of the climate emergency. It brought together two experts with complementary backgrounds: glaciologist Jefferson C. Simões and innovation professor Lucas B. Roldan.

The purpose of the activity was to spark reflection on the role of ordinary people — students, educators, managers, entrepreneurs — in driving the transformations required by the climate crisis. The question “So what about me?” was not rhetorical; it was meant to provoke a sense of belonging, urgency, and action.

Professor Jefferson, an international reference in glaciology and climate change, shared scientific evidence of global warming based on decades of research in Antarctica. He emphasized that accelerated polar melting, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events are already underway — and that Brazil, despite its climatic diversity, is not immune. With a powerful message, he warned: “Climate change is no longer a future possibility. It is happening now and challenging us in the present.”

Following that, Lucas Roldan offered a perspective focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. Drawing on his experience at PUCRS and in managing impact-driven projects, he presented practical pathways for young leaders, startups, and academic institutions to act as agents of transformation. Lucas stressed that innovation, science, and social responsibility must go hand in hand: “It’s not enough to know. We must act — and act with purpose.”

Watch the full event on our YouTube channel and follow Hopeful Brasil to stay updated on future educational initiatives.