Kalain Hosein’s journey from Trinidad and Tobago to Columbia University is rooted in a deep commitment to public service. Hosein, who has rotated from the academic track and work of the oil and gas industry, is now a climate advocate for its community. Hosein is a natural storyteller with a keen scientific mindset who has become a voice of trust for the diverse audiences he reports to him, starting as a local meteorist and now a climate communicator browsing on the global stage.
Since launching Trinidad’s first dedicated weather channel, Hosein has studied with his journalist’s career with the Columbia Climate School’s MA Climate and Society program. His report focuses on developing countries in small islands, natural disasters and climate resilience. This summer, Hosein will serve as a climate impact scholar at Jeffrey Schlegelmilch of the National Disaster Preparation Center for the National Disaster Genome Project, which aims to improve understanding of disaster science. Learn more about the Hosein story in the Q&A below.
Tell us something about your background.
I was from Trinidad and Tobago and moved to Houston, Texas in 2010, where I attended high school and later enrolled in Texas A&M University. I completed my undergraduate degree in geophysics and seismology. At the time, my career path led me to the oil and gas industry, which my parents supported primarily because the prospect of returning home was more relevant to the industry.
However, throughout the undergraduate program, I have been adding it as a minor along with geology, mathematics and a few other disciplines, and have been in touch with my original passion (phenomenology). During this time, I also created an online digital media platform called Trinidad and Tobago Weather Center. This marked my first step into the press. After my undergraduate studies, I returned home and was headhunted by CNC3 to become a weather anchor. This opportunity kicked off my career in journalism. At first, I was just providing weather forecasts, but I quickly found myself reporting the consequences of disasters that are affecting specific communities more frequently and having a greater impact. This makes me ask: Why? This problem caused me to change climate.
When did you start focusing on the climate?
During the second half of my two and a half years at CNC3 and Guardian Media, I began to include climate reports in my night weather forecast. I became a recognized voice for climate change in the Caribbean, something some call it “the voice of developing countries in small islands.” I attended regional events and reported on science news and community advocacy from the ground.
In 2022, I was invited to join a group at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. This is my first time on the international stage, I am only 23 or 24 years old and have made adjustments with the Prime Minister and the President. That moment was transformative. Everything before, during and after that game changed my career.
Since then, I have positioned myself as a climate journalist in Trinidad and Tobago. My work is located at the intersection of science news and public services to ensure people are informed, safe and prepared. Whether through my skills or time, I always want to have time.
Why are you applying for a climate and social program?
I applied for multiple graduate programs, but Colombia stood out and stood out. Core courses, extensive electives and flexible specialization have allowed me to shape the experience around my personal and professional goals. I appreciate that the program does not lead students into the narrow path, but encourages the integration of science, policy, communication and community engagement. Another major attraction is the global nature of the Columbian community and the incredible diversity of New York City itself. I’m not just looking for a degree, but I want an experience that will challenge and grow.
One of the most powerful aspects of the program is that no two students have the same journey. You can ask three people of your kind about their experiences and get three completely different, equally rich answers. My personal mantra is “focus on things you can control” and pursuing that degree is like the next step that makes sense and competent.
“Because I come from a scientific background, I’m often seen as an authoritative voice, but I learned that the real impact comes from meeting the people they are. Titles and certificates don’t matter with empathy, positive listening, and real connection.”
Which courses are the most memorable and why?
I took part in this program with particular excitement to embrace the dynamics of climate variability and change, one of my favorite courses to date, which really deepened my understanding of the Earth’s system.
Jeff Schlegelmilch’s climate change and disaster management is another standout standout. I also adopted climate change laws and policies with Sheila Foster, which is incredible. The class gains insight into how the legal framework supports or hinders climate action. It’s fascinating and a little crazy to see how the American legal system works independently and how explicitly written laws for climate can still use it to solve this problem.
I also really appreciate how the nurturing courses are built – it’s a discussion of discussion, and student-led lectures make complex topics like Law more accessible. Challenge me to rethink policy development, interpretation and implementation. Looking ahead, I am particularly excited about climate change risk management. Learning how to quantify and communicate risks is essential, not only for journalism, but also helps communities prepare for and respond to extreme weather events in the face of climate crisis.
What is your future role in solving the climate crisis?
If you ask any reporter, they will tell you – once you get bitten by a bug, you will never want to be a journalist. No matter what happens in the future, I know I want to keep telling stories. “Solving the Climate Crisis” sounds daunting, but to me it’s about communication – converting technical knowledge into something the public can understand and use. After witnessing the effects of extreme rainfall, sea level rise and other climate disasters, I have seen how important it is to prepare for disasters and reduce risks. I am also interested in developing policies that support the community before and after a disaster.
In the long run, I want to continue to bridge the gap between science and society. Whether through journalism, disaster risk reduction or policy work, my goal is to help people prepare, adapt and advocate for change. The core of journalism can empower the community, and I always allow myself to give back my time and knowledge.
What else do you want to add?
Because I come from a scientific background, I am often seen as an authoritative voice, but I learned that the real impact comes from where to meet them. Title and credentials are more important than empathy, positive listening and real connection.
Some stories I reported were encountered nearby, and emotional weight was not always so easy to carry. But those moments took me root. They remind me that climate news is not only about science, but also about context, community and human life. That’s what makes me show up every day. I’m here to help people understand what’s going on around them and amplify often overlooked sounds.
Ultimately, I just want to serve to inform, connect and help the community navigate an uncertain future with clarity and care.
