Tonight, a documentary about Greta’s world tour is airing. One of her stops was at Athabasca Glacier, in the Canadian Rockies. I was lucky enough to be there that day... So here is how it went! A thread. https://www.pbs.org/video/preview-sd7tb4 @GWFutures @PBS

Back in summer 2019, Greta was on a world tour. Amongst many others, I was following her progress across the country, and being very pleased that the climate crisis was getting some well-deserved attention. I was impressed with her commitment and dedication.

One morning, I was analyzing data at the office – another regular day in the life of a grad student, when my supervisor called me “A young climate activist might be interested in learning about glaciers and climate change, and visiting Athabasca”. I completely lost it.

I could not believe that of all the crucial aspects of the climate crisis, Greta wanted to see one of the glaciers I studied. I was so excited! I wanted to tell EVERYONE. But, considering the nasty comments and actions that Greta faced in Alberta, secrecy was important.

Greta was recording a documentary about the climate crisis while on her world tour, so we would be going to Athabasca glacier with a film crew and a small U.Sask crew: my supervisor John Pomeroy, myself, our field tech Greg Galloway, and our communication expert Mark Ferguson.

On the day, fieldwork obliges, the weather was terrible! Cold and windy. I was a bit (a lot?) nervous. I was about to meet someone who brought more attention to the climate crisis than I ever could with my science and my papers.

They arrived, and straight to business! Under big jackets, and with freezing fingers, it was time to talk science. Greta asked questions, John answered, Greta listened…. And then asked more questions. And more science talk ensued.

We went up the toe of the glacier – John and Greta ahead, with the camera crew, and us bringing up the rear (occasionally being told to be quiet…) I got to chat with her dad. It felt kinda like being backstage at a concert by my favourite band.

Then, my moment of fame... They talked about my work on how forest fire activity can impact glacier melt because of how the smoke deposits on the ice, makes it darker, and increases melt! My work is important enough that Greta is talking about it! Very proud scientist here!

I was full-on fangirling. By the end of the day, Greta was not super happy about all the photo-taking – and I finally got it. This is not about Greta (no matter how awesome she is). This is not about her. It is about the science and the climate crisis.

I am forever grateful that we had the opportunity to share our work with Greta. Looking at melting glaciers every day, sometimes I lose sight of the larger crisis going on (maybe I shut it out because of the stress?). My brief interactions with Greta put it back in perspective.

It’s a crisis, the science is clear, let’s do something about it. Like now. Happy Earth day!