Our health and environmental reporter Hanna Rauworth sat down to answer some pressing questions about climate and tell us more about what she’s looking to cover in her new role.
Q: Why is climate change such a pressing issue today?
A: Climate change affects more than just the weather. Climate change can impact wildlife populations, air quality, lead to more deforestation, colder winters, hotter summers, change the ability of certain crops to grow, lead to mass migration, the spread of infectious diseases, decrease biodiversity and create freshwater shortages. Climate change is here, and climate change is real. The question is, what are we going to do about it?
Q: Why is mental health awareness so important in our community?
A: Awareness and recognition of mental illness leads to solutions, resources, treatments and safe spaces for people in our community to seek help. In the Black community, this is particularly important. According to a Congressional Report published in 2020, the suicide rate in Black youths is increasing faster than any other racial or ethnic group and is steadily on the rise. As a reporter for the fourth oldest Black newspaper in the country, I want this to be addressed.
Q: Why should we care about environmental justice?
A: Environmental justice is essential in creating change. Marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by negative air quality, pollution, displacement and inadequate access to community green spaces. These issues facing the community require work towards environmental justice and deserve to be advocated for by me, by you and by everyone in the neighborhood.
Q: Why is it crucial to support local journalism?
A: When it comes down to it, journalism is about people. Journalism is about your neighbor, your church leader. Journalism is about a minority owned business or someone who lent a helping hand. Without local journalism, these stories wouldn’t be told, and these resources wouldn’t be available to the community. Journalism is about more than just words on paper; it’s about people.
Q: Why should we prioritize health and wellness in our daily lives?
A: Staying fit, eating a balanced diet, enjoying fresh air and self-care are all vital things that enable us to live long, healthy lives. While I know life can get busy at times, it’s important to recognize how important these practices are to continue those busy moments for as long as we can. Next time you’re buried in work, cooking, cleaning or caring for the kids, remember that you need to take care of yourself to take care of others. As I always say, you can’t pour from an empty cup!
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
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