(upbeat music) - [Margaret] Coming up next on NewsDepth, rising waters in Senegal are wiping out homes, and we hear from some of the first kids to get a COVID shot.

World leaders meet to talk tackling climate change, plus celebrate Veteran's Day by visiting memorials across Ohio.

NewsDepth is now.

(upbeat music) Finally it's your turn.

Hello everybody, I'm Margaret Cavalier filling in for Rick Jackson.

Thanks for joining us.

Roll up those sleeves because a COVID vaccine for kids is out now.

The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave the green light to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages five to 11.

Like the vaccine for older patients, it requires two shots given at least 21 days apart Two weeks after that second dose, and you are considered fully vaccinated.

That means by the winter holidays, you could be good to celebrate safely.

Unlike the vaccine for anyone 12 and over, this one uses a smaller dose and that means smaller needles too.

Britt Conway was there when some of the first kids in the country got the vaccine.

- [Britt] And there it is.

Pfizer's COVID 19 vaccine for kids five to 11, going into little arms already.

After getting emergency use authorization from the FDA, and then the CDCs recommendation.

- Hurt?

- No.

- It doesn't hurt?

Okay.

- [Britt] These kids in Connecticut lined up for their first shot Tuesday night.

- That's a big step into making the world normal again, and so we all don't need to wear masks and for everyone to be safe and healthy.

- [Britt] The same night, the vaccines arrived at this Ohio hospital.

- Right there is a thousand doses of the pediatric vaccine.

- [Britt] And at this hospital in Texas and Pfizer is packing up and shipping out millions more.

There are about 28 million kids five to 11 who are eligible to get vaccinated now.

- I was pretty nervous, but then I said to myself that night I have to do it to protect the world.

- [Britt] I'm Britt Conway reporting.

- Thanks Britt.

President Biden's administration plans to work with schools, pharmacies, and pediatricians to administer the vaccine.

He called the vaccines approval "a great day for American parents and American families and American children."

Biden has also been busy attending COP 26.

COP stands for Conference of the Parties.

It's a United Nations gathering of world leaders focused on slowing climate change and decreasing greenhouse gases.

Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat.

Human activities like burning fossil fuels for energy create many of these gases.

Too many greenhouse gases can result in the globe warming up more than is good for it.

Max Foster has the details from the conference in Glasgow, Scotland.

Max.

- [Max] World leaders are bumping wrists and rubbing shoulders in the Scottish city of Glasgow.

But success here will mean difficult and painful compromise if they're to agree a deal to curb global greenhouse gas emissions.

The host, British prime minister Boris Johnson, opened the COP 26 climate summit with a stark message.

There's no time to lose.

- It's one minute to midnight on that doomsday clock, and we need to act now.

If we don't get serious about climate change today, it will be too late for our children to do so tomorrow.

- [Max] The nations represented here have been given an ultimatum.

Agree and execute concrete measures to stop global temperatures rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius or face grave consequences.

- Enough of killing ourselves with carbon, enough of treating nature like a toilet, enough of burning and drilling and mining our way deeper.

We are digging our own graves.

- [Max] After years of failing to tackle global warming, climate campaigners calling for change in Glasgow are angry and skeptical, some asking whether the promises made here will be hot air.

U.S. president, Joe Biden, pledged America, one of the world's biggest carbon emitters, would lead the way.

- We'll demonstrate to the world the United States is not only back at the table, but hopefully lead by the power of our example.

That's why my administration is working over time to show that our climate commitment is action, not words.

- [Max] This is the moment of truth, but expectations are low and some key global figures are absent.

The president of China, the world's biggest carbon emitter, sent only a written statement saying quote, his country would "rein in the irrational development of energy intensive and high emission projects."

- By 2017, India will achieve the target of net zero.

- [Max] A sobering wake up call came from the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi who sets 2070 is India's target to reach zero carbon emissions.

That's decades later than other polluters, pointing to how difficult the process would be for developing nations.

The queen seen here at home in Windsor didn't attend on instruction from her doctors, sending this video message.

- I for one hope that this conference will be one of those rare occasions where everyone will have the chance to rise above the politics of the moment and achieve true statesmanship.

- [Max] It's billed as the last big chance to address the climate crisis.

Where the leaders will meet the challenge though is yet to be seen.

Max Foster, Edinburgh, Scotland.

- Thanks Max.

For folks living in the coastal towns of Senegal, the climate crisis has already arrived.

Let's take a spin around the globe to the location.

Salaam-Alaikum, welcome to the north west African country of Senegal.

The country is hot and humid with low rolling plains.

It's named after the Senegal River that forms its Northern border.

About 16 million people call the presidential republic home and most of them are the Muslim faith.

The country is pretty poor, mining, fishing, construction, and tourism drive its economy so when the ocean waves started creeping up on Senegal's coast, it impacted more than just days in the beach.

Fred Pleitgen spoke with the folks there about the problem.

- [Fred] The fishermen's lives have always been tough here in San Luis, in Northern Senegal, fighting for survival on the harsh Atlantic Ocean.

Now because of climate change, the sea that has always provided for their livelihood is destroying their existence.

Shik Tsar and his family live in what's left of their house, half destroyed by a storm surge, knowing full well, the rest of the building could be washed away anytime.

"We don't have anywhere to go," he says, "If we had the means, we would move.

Where we're living is not safe.

We are powerless."

Because of its geography, San Luis is known as the Venice of Africa, a UNESCO world heritage site, once the capital of Senegal, now facing attrition due to the global climate emergency as erosion takes its toll on the historic buildings and the people dwelling in them.

Fishing is a profession that spans generations here in San Luis, but thousands of fishermen and their families have already been displaced by global warming as rising sea levels have destroyed many houses here on the coastline.

There is nothing left of where fishermen Abdouli Terrai's house once stood.

He says many who lost their homes had become climate refugees.

"There are a lot of young people who have already fled to Spain because they are homeless," he says, "They have lost their jobs.

Many of them are going."

Others have had to move to this tent camp miles away from the ocean, living in poverty with little hope for improvement.

Rising sea levels are a threat to coastal areas around the world, already causing an increase in severe flash flooding and storm surges like in the New York and New Jersey area after Hurricane Ida in September.

The world needs to act fast or risk having to completely abandon some coastal regions in the future, especially in the U.S. says climate scientist Andus Lieberman.

- The entire east coast of the U.S. because of changes in the ocean currents, sea level is rising twice as fast at the east coast of the U.S. than globally.

- [Fred] What is a dangerous projection for the world is already grim reality here in Senegal, where the ocean that has defined the lives in this community for so long is now drifting them into an uncertain future.

- Thanks Fred.

While climate changes rising waters are pushing the Senegalese out of their home, it's warmer waters are making it easier for aquatic plants to find new homes.

I'm talking about invasive species in Lake Tahoe.

An invasive species is a plant animal or other organism that is not native to an area and creates a threat to an ecosystem.

The weeds are growing where they aren't welcome and what's good for them isn't so good for the rest of the ecosystem.

Scientists think climate change is making the problem worse.

Kristen Samose spoke with experts about what's happening.

- [Kristen] The Tahoe Keys.

It's ground zero in the fight against aquatic invasive weeds that environmental groups say pose a dire and growing threat to all of Lake Tahoe.

- This threat that is in the Tahoe Keys and some other marinas around the lake is now spreading and climate change, which is making Lake Tahoe waters warmer, makes it more hospitable for these plants to call the shoreline home.

- [Kristen] Masses of weeds cover as much as 90% of the Tahoe keys channels, getting caught in boats and changing the lakes ecosystem.

Expensive harvesting equipment and daily sweeps are currently used, but scientists say they're not fixing the problem.

Now they're unveiling a new testing system, a desperate attempt to control a problem they say threatens the entire lake.

- It's not just the Keys.

This is also spread into Lake Tahoe proper so the objective of the CMT test plan that we're working on is to not only develop better methods for the Keys control, but also to protect the lake.

- [Kristen] Those methods include the use of herbicides and a UV light system, and are now in a public input stage.

They're hoping to gain approval to begin testing next spring.

- Without a testing, we know what the future of Lake Tahoe could look like, which is green and murky and that's not what we want.

- [Kristen] In the meantime, that's exactly what tourists are beginning to see on beaches that are miles away from the Tahoe Keys.

- Anything that's spreading to this lake is definitely concerning for everybody.

It's such a big draw for people from all over the world.

- [Kristen] Scientists who have been studying these waters for decades say it's too late to eradicate the problem, but they're optimistic this testing may be a chance to manage it.

- Thanks Kristen.

We've got a spot on science about invasive plants in Ohio, too.

I'll link it beneath this episode on the NewsDepth website.

Well, turning to clean sources of energy is one way to cut down on greenhouse gases and thus stop climate change.

Last episode, we asked what examples of green energy you see in your neighborhood.

Let's take a look at the results from that poll.

Oh no.

71% of you haven't seen any clean energy in your neighborhood, but 20% of you have seen electric or hybrid cars.

Well, how about we turn to some happy news.

There have been plenty of recent cultural celebrations to report.

Did you know November is Native American heritage month?

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush designated the month as a time to recognize the sacrifices, contributions, and achievements of Native American people.

President Joe Biden released a statement this year saying Native American roots are embedded in our land.

He said, as a country, we should uphold our treaty responsibilities and recommit to strengthening native sovereignty.

To honor native Americans this month, you can learn about the tribes that called Ohio home.

I'll leave a link to our kn-Ohio about it online too.

Now last week, Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists across the world celebrated their festival of lights Diwali.

During Diwali more than 1 billion people worldwide exchanged gifts, spent time with loved ones, feasted, and prayed.

They celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil.

This year's main celebration took place on November 4th, but the date changes each year based on the Hindu lunar calendar, and in Mexico, Dia de Los Muertos, the day of the dead, was held on November first and second.

It's a yearly celebration to remember and honor loved ones who have died.

The holiday is a colorful and lively event, even featuring a parade in Mexico City.

Families gather in cemeteries to dance and sing and build altars known as ofrendas of photographs, bright marigold flowers, and special food drinks and tokens that were cherished by their lost relative.

For this week's question, we want to know what cultural celebrations do you participate in?

Be sure to share what traditions are the most meaningful or enjoyable for you.

And now time for our NewsDepth celebration of Veteran's Day.

We told you about the holiday last week.

November 11th is a time to honor and celebrate members of our military, including my dad, brother, and grandpa.

Now let's hear about veterans in your life by opening up our inbox.

Sophia from Kinzer Elementary in Strongsville wrote, "My special veteran is my cousin Clint.

He serves in the U.S. Navy.

Clint is special to me because he has sacrificed himself for our country and I'm so glad to have someone in my life who would do that."

Here's the letter from Adam at Claggett Middle School in Medina.

"A veteran in my life is my mom and she was in the air force.

She used to be on or do missions like taking down or shooting other air pilots or teams and killing them or severely injuring them.

She also was well-known in the air force for doing good deeds or helping people.

I try to thank her every Veteran's Day.

That is a veteran in my life."

Madison from Revere Bath Elementary in Akron wrote, "A veteran in my life is my dad.

He was a Marine.

He is a special marine to me because he served America for four hard years.

He is the best dad I could have asked for."

Bryce from Corpus Christi Academy in Lyndhurst wrote, "The veteran in my life is my big brother, Joey.

My brother served in the United States Navy.

My brother is in California right now and I miss him.

He is a very kind person.

I love him so much.

He is very smart and a good person.

My big brother Joey is the veteran in my life."

Finally, here's one from Dalyah at Freedom Elementary in Westchester.

"My dad Jeffrey is a veteran.

He was in the air force.

He had to jump off planes and fix planes.

One time we went to an air force museum and he found a plane that he fixed.

He is the best stepdad in the world."

Great answers everyone.

Another way to celebrate Veteran's Day is to visit a Veteran's Memorial.

Ohio is home to plenty of them.

Mary takes us on a tour of a few in this week's Know Ohio.

Mary.

(upbeat music) - In Ohio, our veterans are a real source of pride.

Brave men and women from the buckeye state have served in every major conflict in our country's history, and we found many ways to honor them over the years, dedicating monuments, parks, and bridges to them.

One such monument lies right in the heart of downtown Cleveland.

The Soldiers and Sailors monument was built in 1894 to honor the Civil War soldiers and sailors from Cuyahoga County.

Its designer, architect and Civil War veteran Levi Scofield, was so passionate about the project that he worked on it for over seven years without compensation and used much of his own money to create it.

This 125 foot tall monument features lifelike bronze statues representing the four branches of the Union army, the navy, cavalry, infantry, and artillery, and it's topped with a bronze goddess of Liberty statue representing loyalty to the United States.

But this monument has a little surprise that at first glance you might not notice.

It actually has an inside, which is possibly even cooler than the outside.

The room inside is lined with marble tablets, listing 9,000 Civil War veterans from Cuyahoga County.

There's also four bronze sculptures depicting different periods of the Civil War, as well as busts of famous Colonel James Barnett and officers killed in action.

Scofield's monument was fully restored in 2008 and is a prominent part of the recently renovated public square.

Further down south in Clinton is a park consisting of a series of monuments all designed to honor another generation of veterans, those from the Vietnam War.

The park features a 125 foot long black granite wall with the names of the 3095 Ohioans lost during the Vietnam War.

Close to the wall are stone statues depicting Goldstar parents, parents of soldiers who were killed in war.

The newest installment at the park honors Ohio's medal of honor recipients.

The medal of honor is considered the highest military honor given in the United States, and over 300 Ohioans have been awarded the honor.

Several medal of honor recipients were on hand at the dedication ceremony of the memorial, including Ohio's Herschel Woody Williams, the last living medal of honor recipient to fight in the major battle of Iwo Jima during World War II.

Speaking of World War II, did you know that one of the largest memorials for World War II veterans outside of Washington, DC is in Ohio?

For a long time, the service men and women of Marion County were commemorated only with a deteriorating wooden structure outside the courthouse, but a small group of citizens knew the veterans deserved better, and the committed group raised money to build the World War II memorial at Marion Cemetery.

There, the names of local men and women who aided in the war are inscribed on an awe inspiring black granite structure.

On the back of this World War II memorial is a line that I think really sums up our veterans.

"They sought no bounty leaving peace in their footsteps."

- Thanks Mary.

For this week's poll, we want to know, does your hometown have a veterans memorial?

Head online to choose either yes or no.

Now in Medina, a recent high school grad wanted to make sure that soldiers who attended his alma mater are recognized and remembered.

An Alma mater is a school or college that someone has attended.

Maybe you recall the NewsDepth A plus we gave last year to Hudson Louie.

Well we've got more on his story for you.

Our Jenny Hamill reports.

Jenny.

- [Jenny] Over 45,000 local veterans are buried at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

United by their ties to the area, their service to our country, and by this tranquil place in Seville that serves as their final resting place.

Among those who come to pay these service members their respect is 18 year old, Hudson Louie, who just graduated from Medina High School.

He may seem like an unlikely visitor, but this teenager feels a deep connection to these men and women.

- It's very humbling 'cause each step you're walking into a new area of people who have just, again, laid down their lives to keep us free and sometimes I even forget what they've done, and I hope that your everyday American can at least take the time and understand what they went through.

- [Jenny] Hudson's admiration for these veterans and curiosity about who they were has evolved into a passion project.

Over the last several years, he's researched and learned the stories of thousands of veterans from Ohio.

He's researched Devin Grella of Medina, who at the age of 21 died in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004.

- Devin was a private first class in the U.S. army.

Right out of high school, he enlisted in the U.S. army probably right after 9/11, and he graduated from Medina High School in 2002 I believe.

He was in a convoy in Iraq and they were hit by an IED and he was one of the few that were killed there.

He has earned the bronze medal star, the purple heart, and he was killed in action.

- [Jenny] Hudson wants to make sure people like Grella are honored by their Alma mater, so he went to Medina High School administrators with an ask.

Could they help him get plaques made for Grella and every service member who went to Medina High who later died in service?

- He will have a plaque in the hallway of the high school right in front of the library, and he already has a picture there, but it's just a small picture and I just wanted to make it bigger so that when students walked by they realized that he was someone like us, you know, walked the same life as we did.

- [Jenny] In total, Hudson's prepared the plaque information for 24 Medina High veterans that died in service since World War I.

He's researched their lives, their military service, how they died, what medals they earned, and he's found old photos of these veterans, either from family members or through archives, and he's colorized the black and white military portraits.

It's a painstaking process that takes a lot of layering and about two hours to colorize one of these photos, and with years of practice, Hudson's turned it into an art form.

- The nice thing about our son is that when he gets focused on a project, the amount of detail that he can go into and the amount of focus, the time that it takes to colorize a photo.

- [Denise] Well, first of all, I'm just completely awed at the depth of his research and his grasp of the stories and the human element of it, right?

I mean, he knows.

It's not just he's just not reciting facts and figures, but I mean, he knows the human story about what they were doing.

- [Jenny] And all the photos and information Hudson gathers on these fallen veterans, he puts online and in archives so that others can learn about them too.

- Thanks Jenny.

From last year's A plus, let's turn to this week's winner.

Levi Detwiler, a second grader at Northwood Elementary School in North Canton feels like it's his duty to thank those who have served in the military.

His unique way of thanking them earns him this week's NewsDepth A plus.

This year, the students in Mrs. Mesmer's music class created a video performance of them singing and signing patriotic songs.

They shared that performance with their local community as a way to say thank you to veterans.

Levi took it upon himself to go the extra mile.

He created his own video of him singing and signing and sent it to veterans in his family as a personal thank you for their service.

His family members were very grateful for the video he sent.

One family member even remarked that they were very impressed by his second grade civic duty.

Levi even extended his patriotic thank you into his Halloween costume, along with his siblings and cousins.

He dressed as a soldier for Halloween and marched from house to house.

He shared that his candy haul this year it was a star Spangled success.

Levi dedicated his performance this year to his great, great grandfather who earned a purple heart for being wounded at the Battle of the Bulge.

The Battle of the Bulge was an important allied victory in Europe towards the end of World War II.

According to Levi, it's important to remember and thank our veterans because they protect our freedoms and fight for us.

Aside from singing and signing, Levi tells us that his favorite class in school is math and outside of the classroom, he enjoys basketball and telling jokes.

He left us with a joke for all of you.

What's Beethoven's favorite fruit?

Give up?

The banana.

This week's news depth A-plus goes to Levi Detwiler for honoring our veterans.

Keep up the great work Levi.

And teachers, don't forget that you can submit your students for an A plus too by using the quick submission form on our website.

While you're there, you're gonna wanna check out this week's petting zoo.

Let's see what news cat has pawed up for us.

(cat meows) Hey, there News cat.

Dreaming about lunch?

That's enough now, did you find us a story?

Oh, I see.

News cat that's a ladder for fish, not a platter of fish.

It helps migrating salmon.

To find out about these tailed travelers, head on over to our website and click the petting zoo button.

Thank you, news cat.

And now as always, we want to hear from you and there are plenty of ways to stay in touch.

You can write to us.

We're at 1375 Euclid Avenue.

That's Cleveland, Ohio zip code here, 44115.

You can email us at newsdepth@ideastream.org or you can tweet us.

Our handle is @newsdepthohio.

Plus you can catch all of our special segments on YouTube.

Hit subscribe if you're old enough so you don't miss out on any of our new videos.

Thanks for joining us.

I'm Margaret Cavalier.

We'll see you right back here next week.

- [Narrator] NewsDepth is made possible by a grant from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation.

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