La Hora Ambiental - November 21, 2025: Women in Herpetology and the Role of Media in Water Crisis

Aurora Mendiola welcomes viewers to La Hora Ambiental, highlighting upcoming segments including environmental news and interviews. Featured guests include Fabián Carballo from the Mexican Network of Environmental Journalists, interviewing Alejandra Valenciano about water stress and media, and Nayeli Morales Capellán on environmental education and women in herpetology.

Nayeli Morales Capellán, a biologist and subdirector of Explora Reptilia, shares her journey into herpetology. Initially fearful of snakes due to family myths, a personal encounter and her biology studies led her to dedicate her career to understanding and conserving these animals. She emphasizes the importance of education to change public perception and reduce fear.

Dr. Morales Capellán addresses common misconceptions about snakes, such as all snakes being venomous or drinking milk. She highlights the challenge of combating misinformation, especially with the rise of AI-generated content. Her team focuses on environmental education in communities, aiming to build trust and change attitudes towards snakes by providing accurate information and demonstrating safe handling.

Nayeli advises potential snake owners on the responsibility involved, emphasizing the need to research their biology, dietary needs, and space requirements. She discusses her experience as a woman in herpetology, noting the increasing number of women entering the field and serving as role models. She encourages young girls to pursue their passions in science, dispelling the notion that certain fields are only for men.

Dr. Morales Capellán discusses the importance of the annual snake festival in raising awareness and appreciation for snakes. She highlights the positive impact of educating children, who often become advocates for snake conservation. She also promotes an upcoming snake conservation and management course, detailing its comprehensive curriculum and practical field experience.

The environmental news segment covers three key topics: a new manual washing machine invented by a British engineer that saves 50% water and 75% time, providing a sustainable solution for communities without electricity; the surprising phenomenon of bioluminescent fungi in the Iberian Peninsula, highlighting their ecological role in nutrient cycling and as indicators of healthy ecosystems; and the critical situation of Chilean glaciers, projected to lose up to 80% of their volume due to prolonged drought and climate change, threatening the country's water supply.

Fabián Carballo interviews Alejandra Valenciano, a journalist and expert in sustainable development, about the media's role in reporting on the water crisis. Valenciano criticizes mainstream media for minimizing or neglecting the issue, calling for a more integrated and preventive approach. She emphasizes the media's power to influence public perception and stresses the need for in-depth, long-form journalism and specialized reporters to adequately cover complex environmental topics.

Alejandra Valenciano discusses effective narratives and resources for environmental journalism. She advocates for diverse formats, including social media content like infographics and TikToks, to engage audiences. She also highlights the importance of 'solutions journalism' that not only identifies problems but also showcases positive initiatives and community efforts. Valenciano stresses the need for journalists to empathize with affected communities and to address the systemic causes of environmental crises, including corporate responsibility.

Valenciano concludes by emphasizing the crucial role of active audiences in supporting independent journalism. She encourages viewers to support media outlets that provide truthful and diverse perspectives, through donations and sharing content. She views journalism as a public good that requires community support to maintain its independence and prevent monopolization by powerful entities, fostering dialogue and critical engagement.

Aurora Mendiola thanks Fabián Carballo and Alejandra Valenciano for their insightful interview. She reminds students to submit their essays and encourages everyone to visit Animalia on November 29-30 in Tlatelolco to learn about and potentially acquire exotic animals legally. She bids farewell until the next episode of La Hora Ambiental.