In their own words, See Through Network members explain who they are, how they joined, what they do and why they contribute their time, energy and expertise to Speeding Up Carbon Drawdown by Helping the Inactive Become Active.
In these mini-stories, See Through Network volunteers from backgrounds ranging from science to storytelling, from the Global North and South, early and late career, explain how they came across the See Through Network, what they do, and why.
Aditya Bandla: Climate scientist, Toronto, Canada
Who
I’m a climate scientist with a background in soil carbon, Measurement, Reporting & Verification (MRV) systems and regenerative agriculture, combining field science with cloud analytics. After studying engineering in my native India, I gained a PhD in Ecology, Soil Microbiomes & Soil Science from Singapore National University, where I worked on various government decarbonisation projects.
How
After starting a post-doctoral fellowship in Canada, I prompted ChatGPT: “I’m interested in contributing my experience in climate science and data analytics to volunteer initiatives that support carbon accounting, decarbonization strategy, or GHG emissions tracking. Find organizations currently seeking volunteers with this skillset.” Of the suggestions for me to ‘volunteer and gain hands-on experience in carbon/GHG accounting or related sustainability analytics’ ChatGPT’s suggestion that See Through Carbon was the best fit seemed convincing.
What
I sent my CV with a cover email saying I could work 6-8 hours a week, and within days was working across various See Through Carbon Pilots, using my specialist knowledge and collaborating with experts in related fields, from carbon accounting to TV professionals creating game shows to nudge sceptical farmers into participating.
Why
These include Pilot 6: Farming, which enables me to put my specialist academic background to practical use while explaining my range of experience beyond my professional scope.
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Srividya Chavali: Administrator, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Who
After studying engineering and working in the construction industry, I moved with my husband and two children to fulfil my long-held ambition of studying a Masters in Project Management at Napier University. We then settled in Edinburgh, where I juggle my job as a project coordinator in the Scottish oil & gas industry with raising my family.
How
I’d not given the climate crisis much thought until my son brought home a school project to calculate his emissions footprint. This sparked my interest in the science of carbon reporting, and I completed an online course in basic carbon accounting in my spare time. The more I learned, the more I wanted to use my professional and newly-acquired carbon reporting skills to do some personal ‘offsetting’.
What
Searching volunteering websites, I found a See Through Carbon posting for a part-time role as Admin for its Pilots, which seemed to exactly match my ambition. I emailed my application, and now project manage various Pilot schemes across a range of sectors for STC’s carbon reporting ecosystem. The work is flexible, allowing me to fit it in around my work and family life.
Why
Working for the See Through Network has also opened my eyes to many new industries, from live music to farming and fashion, through the prism of their carbon footprints.
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Sam Wain: Digital marketing, Glasgow, Scotland
Who
When I encountered the See Through Network, I’d not yet worked out what to do with my degree in Classics and diploma in music for video game music & sound design. I wanted an interesting career that provided a living, and the chance to have real-world impact on things I found important and meaningful, like climate change.
How
I was working as an audio engineer at a COP 26 venue in Glasgow when I saw the See Through News team at work. Other climate activists were holding talks, handing out leaflets and protesting, but the See Through team were filming passers-by doing fun games, live-streaming concerts for ukulele and bagpipes from a deserted loch-side, and chatting to parents from the neighbouring primary school while their children were absorbed drawing pictures for a Superhero Drawing Competition. When the team explained the subtle but engaging methodology behind them, I immediately volunteered to help.
What
Over the years my contributions have ranged from mixing concert soundtracks and producing podcasts to designing online games and developing YouTube SEO strategy. I now oversee the Network’s marketing, applying the behavioural psychology and storytelling techniques I first saw in Glasgow to innovative experiments, linking the Network’s growing social media reach to its carbon-reducing science.
Why
As my career progressed, my See Through work has allowed me to learn from veteran mentor colleagues, and contribute my own skills to a cause I believe in.
Alan Katongole: Project manager, Kampala, Uganda
Who
After studying Information Technology at Kampala’s Ndejje University and qualifying in data modelling and analysis at Kyambogo University, I’ve combined a professional career in IT project management with my passion for climate action.
How
I’ve been involved both professionally and as a volunteer in many local Ugandan climate mitigation and adaptations initiatives. Whether working or volunteering, I’m motivated by my desire to help Uganda become a continental leader in climate-related action, and contribute to local and global initiatives aimed at a sustainable future.
What
One of Uganda’s leading climate advocates, and See Through Carbon’s Uganda Country Coordinator Michael Makongo, introduced me to the See Through Network. I joined the Uganda team as Country Project Manager, working across a range of technical, management and advocacy roles. These include local recruitment, identifying See Through Carbon Pilot participants and facilitating local adoption of projects across all four arms of the See Through Network.
Why
Being an early adopter of See Through Network can help boost Uganda’s domestic and international climate aspirations, and improve lives on the ground for ordinary people.
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George Hinchliffe: Composer and producer, Newcastle, England
Who
Growing up in Sheffield I founded my school ‘Conservation Society’ – nowadays it would probably be called ‘green’, or something to do with ‘sustainability’. My schoolboy concerns of over-population, pollution, the oil industry and threats to biodiversity, were carried over after college into artistic collaborations with environmentalists, musicians and actors. I’ve worked in healthcare, the arts, film, TV and radio. Four decades running a band have taught me: navigating theatre, music and entertainment, world tours, legal challenges, finance, copyright and creative production, plus inexplicably satisfying hundreds of thousands of subscribers and millions of online and live fans.
How
See Through Network founders knew me from documentaries they’d made about my band’s unconventional journey. We stayed in touch, and the See Through project caught my interest. My first involvement was donating background and theme music for videos. After semi-retiring from performing, one thing led to another, and my involvement has grown in scale and scope.
What
As well as donating music, and composing soundtracks, I advise on Network strategy. I was instrumental in arranging robust transport surveys at various music venues to calculate my band’s Scope 3 carbon for See Through Carbon’s Pilot 3: Live Music. My contributions to Network entertainment projects aimed at drawing people into effective climate action, include a world premiere duet for ukulele and bagpipes.
Why
Industry, politics, media and the arts spout promising words about climate action, which usually turn out to be disingenuous or cynical. Greenwash is driven by money, so the Network’s zero-budget approach appeals to me. Since my childhood, talk has grown, along with emissions. Somebody should do something. If not you and me, who? The See Through Network’s focus on measurable impact via creative storytelling is an answer.
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Jasper Chinechma: Administrator, Awka, Nigeria
Who
I am a Monitoring & Evaluation specialist with a deep commitment to advancing Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR), Digital Rights, and climate justice for minority and underserved groups. My work is shaped by years of tracking evidence, analyzing behavioural patterns, and observing the real-world consequences of inequity on communities that are too often overlooked. I’ve seen how SRHR, digital inclusion and environmental sustainability are tightly woven together. A single gap in knowledge, access, or accountability can ripple across all three sectors, creating cycles of vulnerability.
How
Searching volunteer sites for professional development opportunities to work with a professional, international organisation that overlapped with my own areas of skills and interest, I came across the See Through Network and completed their application form. Within a couple of days, I’d had an introductory video call to find roles that best suited my ambitions and the Network’s goals, and joined various working teams.
What
I’m administrator for the Network’s recruiting and retention team. To better understand the range of roles available, I’ve joined various Network working groups as an observer, and as a participant providing a Global South perspective.
Why
These insights continue to drive my passion for building systems that transform data into action. The Network’s focus on action, community and measurable impact chimes with my own desire to protect rights, strengthen resilience and amplify the voices of people who rarely get heard.
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Paul Salman: Producer & event organiser, London, England
Who
I studied Applied Science before spending several years travelling in my twenties, eventually settling down to raise a family while working in the finance industry for 27 years. Alongside this, I developed long-standing interests in community health, movement and wellbeing, eventually training as a yoga teacher. After semi-retiring, I became increasingly involved in charity work and volunteering, particularly with GoodGym Barnet.
How
My route into environmental and community projects came through local action. Leading GoodGym sessions, helping people get active while supporting local charities, made me far more aware of how climate and community wellbeing overlap. This led to collaborations in green spaces and, more recently, working with Earthwatch and local residents to establish Barnet’s Tiny Forest network. What began as one site has grown to four, with a small but enthusiastic community maintaining them.
What
I reconnected with Robert Stern, an old Ultimate Frisbee teammate, around COP26. His See Through News approach to citizen engagement and climate literacy immediately resonated. I contributed to early trials of See Through activities during COP26 and continue to support the project where I can, particularly through local outreach and practical community involvement.
Why
The scale of the climate crisis can feel overwhelming, but local action makes it tangible and empowering. I believe that transparency, humour and community participation, central to See Through News, help ordinary people feel able to make a difference.
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Denise Perrin: Filmmaker, Frome, England
Who
My first career was at the BBC, starting as an apprentice before becoming Film Editor and running series for network TV. Working with legendary documentary makers taught me the power of storytelling, integrity over forced jeopardy and being a champion for participants, as ‘reality TV’ nudged ‘proper’ documentaries from our screens. I’m now grounded in real life, as Project Manager for a charity supporting sustainable, resilient and inclusive rural communities in SW England.
How
Leaving London to work as a freelancer in a calmer landscape, I chose village life near Bristol. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts, I introduced their sustainability concepts to the village. New phrases like ‘net zero’, ‘carbon reduction, ‘food miles’ and ‘sustainability’ grew more mainstream, but I could never understand ‘carbon offsetting’, which became a goal in itself. That’s when I bailed out.
What
I’ve returned to filmmaking for See Through Together, mainly editing and some filming. It fits nicely around my day job, and I’ve enjoyed See Through’s focus on storytelling. It’s liberating, after the commercial constraints that killed my job in mainstream broadcasting. No more repetition around ad breaks, contrived cliffhangers, and micromanaging Commissioners.
Why
After experiencing the failure of confused carbon-cutting messaging, focused on individual shaming rather than helping people to find their own connection with the bigger picture, I’ve found See Through’s ‘Transparent Trojan Horse’ storytelling refreshing, effective and compelling. I enjoy working with like-minded professionals. I’d like to mentor younger colleagues in my old-school storytelling skills, and to learn their digital-native tricks. I’m relishing the storytelling challenge of YouTube Shorts, and embracing the pithy virtues of vertical viewing. And not a Commissioner in sight!
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If you’d like to give Jasper something to get his teeth into, take a look at the See Through Network volunteer form.