Becoming molecules – an acting challenge!
Dr Adam Levy, science journalist and YouTuber, created two climate chemistry YouTube videos looking specifically at the effects of methane and carbon dioxide. Adam, or ClimateAdam as he’s known online, received a grant from our Outreach Fund towards the cost of delivering these videos. He told us why he wanted to do these videos and how he got into this method of science communication.
By Dr Adam Levy
While I was studying for my doctorate in atmospheric physics, I was struck by the differences between our academic understanding of climate, and public perceptions. To try to do my little something to combat this, I created ClimateAdam – a YouTube channel dedicated to explaining complex ideas around climate change playfully and accessibly. Since then, ClimateAdam’s many videos have covered every aspect of climate change.
Well, almost every aspect. Until recently I had never explicitly covered chemistry – I was naively concerned that videos on climate chemistry would just be too abstract for ClimateAdam’s audience. But then science reporter Andy Extance got in touch with an idea: I should become a CO2 molecule. We quickly expanded this idea to include methane, and my latest two-part mini-series was borne!
These videos – which have been a joy to produce – were made possible thanks to funding from the Royal Society of Chemistry. I always think it’s a sign of a worthwhile video if I learned something in the scriptwriting process, and I learned a great deal here. In spite of containing plenty of information about CO2 and CH4 molecules, the films keep a playful and entertaining tone.
One thing I wasn’t ready for, though, was how challenging the filming would be. I managed to pick what I’m sure was the coldest day for six months - hardly ideal conditions to be prancing around in leggings! At least it only rained a little, though. Finally, a tip for anyone who fancies giving this a go themselves: I found being a CO2 much more tiring than a CH4. Those oxygen atoms really weigh you down.
To see more of Adam’s videos on climate change go to his YouTube profile homepage, ClimateAdam.
Chemistry Week
Chemistry Week is an annual celebration of the chemical sciences, centred around our members sharing their passion with public audiences. In 2018 it took place from 19–25 November, and the theme was 'Chemistry for Everyone'. Members were able to apply for grants from our Outreach Fund to organise activities.
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