Water Scientist Releases Earth Day Rap Album to Make Climate Change Relatable and Impactful

Deandre Presswood is not your average scientist. As a Ph.D. student at the University of Nevada, Reno, he’s focused on hydrology, the study of water. But there’s more—he uses rap music to spotlight the climate crisis.

His Earth Day EP mixes catchy beats with serious topics like water scarcity and environmental justice. This approach makes complex issues easier to relate to, particularly for younger audiences. “Everything I do revolves around Earth science and fighting climate change,” Presswood shared with The Black Wall Street Times.

Why Hydrology Matters

Hydrology is all about how water moves and interacts with the environment. Hydrologists help manage essential resources like drinking water, storm systems, and flood control. They work behind the scenes in utilities and research, ensuring water quality and advising on infrastructure.

Presswood highlights a pressing issue: the field lacks diversity, impacting decision-making. “It’s crucial that people who understand these communities are in the room when water decisions are made,” he emphasized.

The Reality of Water Injustice

Across the U.S., communities of color often face severe water issues. A 2019 Natural Resources Defense Council report found that neighborhoods with high percentages of people of color were 40% more likely to have drinking water violations.

Presswood pointed out, “There are hardly any Black hydrologists in the rooms where critical water decisions happen.” Without representation, choices about water quality overlook the needs of those most affected.

His background adds depth to his mission. After studying environmental science and working in leak detection in Colorado, he focused on water justice in Atlanta. “The price of your water bill often reflects your community’s race, not its resources,” he said.

Hydrologists often notice early signs of contamination or failing infrastructure. If they lack a community connection, these issues can worsen. “If you don’t care about a community, you might not report the problems,” he noted.

Rapping for Change

This disconnect led Presswood to embrace rap, performing under the name HydroSciGuy. His three-track Earth Day album blends scientific insights with a personal touch, making science accessible through music.

He has received positive feedback, even from skeptical teens on TikTok. “Some kids listened and told me they liked it. They said, ‘Dude, you’re a rapper now,’” he laughed.

Though it’s a side project, he sees music as a tool for education. “Listen closely, and you’ll learn something. That’s just the beginning,” he explained.

A Ph.D. with Purpose

Presswood aims to be the first Black snow hydrologist in the U.S. He studies why streams dry up and how snowmelt affects different watersheds. His research also investigates if water quality reflects natural factors or systemic racism.

“I want to see if a community’s water quality mirrors its natural resources or its racial makeup,” he stated. He believes it’s likely the latter.

Another significant concern is the distrust in tap water. “Even my family drinks bottled water due to this systemic fear. It’s costly and there are issues with microplastics in water bottles,” Presswood observed.

As he continues his journey, his work is vital for addressing water scarcity, especially as snowpack is a critical freshwater source in the West. Understanding how it melts is crucial for future planning in drought-prone areas.

Source link

National News