Karein Hossain’s journey from Trinidad and Tobago to Columbia University is rooted in a deep commitment to public service. Pivoting from academic tracks and work in the oil and gas industry, Hossain is currently the climate champion of his community. A natural storyteller with a keen scientific mind, Hossain has become a reliable voice for the diverse audience he reports on. Initially as a local, weather-heavy person, and now as a climate communicator navigating the stages of the world.
Since launching Trinidad’s first dedicated weather channel, Hossain has been making his career as a journalist. Climate and society Programs at Columbia Climate School. His report is at the heart of small island developing countries, natural disasters and climate resilience. Hossein will work as a climate impact scholar this summer Jeffrey Schlegermilch in National Center for Disaster Prevention About the Disaster Genome Project, which aims to promote understanding of disaster science. Find out more about Hosein’s story in the Q&A below.
Could you please tell me a little about your background?
I was originally from Trinidad and Tobago and moved to Houston, Texas in 2010, where I attended high school and later enrolled at Texas A&M University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in geophysics and seismology. At the time, my career path led me into the oil and gas industry. This was primarily supported by parents as the outlook for work in their hometown was more relevant to the sector.
However, throughout the undergraduate year, I maintained my connection to my original passion, Meterology, by adding it as a minor, along with geology, mathematics and several other subjects. During this time, they also created an online digital media platform called the Trinidad Tobago Weather Center. It marked my first step into the world of journalism. After my undergraduate course, I went home and got a headhunt. CNC3 To become a weather anchor. That opportunity began my career in journalism. At first, I simply provided weather forecasts, but soon found myself reporting the aftermath of the disaster. This was more frequent and more impactful than certain communities. That made me ask: Why? That question led me to climate change.
When did you start focusing on the climate?
Later in the second half of my two and a half years at CNC3 and Guardian Media, I began to integrate climate reporting into nightly weather forecasts. I have become a recognized voice for the Caribbean climate change. I attended local events and reported from the ground, combining science journalism with community advocacy.
In 2022 I was invited to attend and moderate a panel at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. It was my first time on the international stage and I was only 23 or 24 years old. The panels with the Prime Minister and the President have been remodeled. That moment was transformative. Everything shifted the course of my career before, during and after that event.
Since then, I have positioned myself as a climate reporter in Trinidad and Tobago. My job is at the intersection of science journalism and public service. I always wanted to be able to use myself, whether it was my skills or through time.
Why did you apply for the Climate and Society program?
I applied for several graduate programs, and Columbia really highlighted its interdisciplinary design. The core curriculum, wide range of electives and flexible specialization have helped shape the experiences of personal and professional goals. The program is grateful that students are not surrounded by narrow roads. It encourages the promotion of a fusion of science, policy, communication and community engagement. Another major attraction was the global nature of the Columbian community and the incredible diversity of New York City itself. I wasn’t just looking for a degree. He wanted to try and grow with me.
One of the most powerful aspects of this program is that the two students are not traveling the same way. Ask three people in the cohort about their experiences and get three completely different, equally rich answers. My personal mantra was to “focus on what you have control over,” and pursuing this degree felt like the next step that would give you meaningful and empowerment.
“I’m often seen as a voice of authority because I come from a scientific background, but I’ve learned that the real influence comes from meeting where they are.
Which class was most memorable and why?
We were particularly excited to incorporate the dynamics of climate change and change in the program. This was one of my favourite classes to date.
Another standout is climate change and disaster management with Jeff Schregermilch. I also took climate change laws and policies with Sheila Foster. Classes are divided into ways that legal frameworks support or interfere with climate behavior. It’s fascinating and a bit wild to see how the US legal system operates independently and together, and how to take advantage of laws that are not explicitly written due to the climate.
I’m also grateful for the way Foster organized the course. It was a lot of discussion, so there are student-driven presentations that make complex topics like law more accessible. It challenged me to rethink how policies are written, interpreted and enforced. We are particularly excited about managing climate change risks in the future. Learning how to quantify and communicate risk is essential not only in journalism, but also in helping communities prepare and respond to extreme weather events in the face of the climate crisis.
What do you imagine as a future role in solving the climate crisis?
If you ask a journalist, they’ll tell you – you’re never going to stop wanting to be a journalist because you’ve been bitten by a bug. No matter what happens in the future, I want to continue telling the story. “Resolving the Climate Crisis” sounds daunting, but for me it’s about communication. Translate technical knowledge into something that the public can understand and use. After firsthand witnessing the effects of extreme rainfall, sea level rise and other climate disasters, I have seen how important disaster preparation and reduced risks are. I’m also interested in creating policies that support the community all the time before and after a disaster.
In the long run, I want to continue to bridge the gap between science and society. Whether it’s through journalism, disaster risk reduction or policy work, my goal is to help people prepare, adapt and advocate for change. Journalism can empower the community at its core. I will always be able to return my time and knowledge, even if I need my time and knowledge.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I come from a scientific background, so I am often seen as a voice of authority, but I have learned that the real influence comes from meeting people where they are. Title and credentials are more important than empathy, active listening and authentic connections.
Some of the stories I report on are Hit Cellow to Home, and its emotional weight isn’t always easy. But those moments ground me. They remind us that climate journalism is not just about science, but about context, community, and human life. That’s why I keep showing up every day. I’m here to help people understand what’s going on around them, and to amplify voices that are too often overlooked.
After all, I just want to serve. Let us know, connect and support our community navigate an uncertain future with clear, care.
