Q&A: Exploring the “Why” behind important issues with reporter Hanna Rauworth

Our health and environmental reporter Hanna Rauworth sat down to answer some pressing questions 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...