Growing up, Kohlter Hathcock consistently struggled to discern fact from fiction. Having parents with polar opposite points of view, he found himself between a rock and a soft place — navigating childhood while walking on eggshells. Kohlter found solace, and truth, through science. Turning on the computer, he’d wander the worlds of molecular theory, evolution, quantum physics, and other various topics. “That magic box was a portal that led to endless knowledge.” Self-education became a form of escapism, and he couldn’t get enough. After spending years educating himself online, enrolling in Laurel Springs was a natural transition and focusing on science was a given. Even as a young man, Kohlter’s quest for facts continue. Now he’s made it his mission to educate the world on the facts and fiction around climate change.
The Search for Truth about Climate Change
Research is not a new concept for Kohlter, especially when it comes to scientific topics. “I remember late-night research about the effects of carbon oxidation on the atmosphere…During my studies at Laurel Springs, I have developed an even more in-depth understanding of this global threat.” Kohlter knows there are some that still don’t believe this is really a crisis, and that fact is part of the problem. That’s right, it’s not just ecosystems and the atmosphere that’s the issue, it’s getting the right information out to the public to do something about it. So, Kohlter is doing something about it. “I decided to tell the world. I wanted to support the climate change movement with a documentary film about Regenerative Agriculture.”
“My Laurel Springs AP Biology course inspired me to learn all about the carbon cycle. I discovered how plants store carbon in the ground, and how, when it comes to Mother Nature, everything is interconnected… It is a virtuous and regenerative cycle… Regenerative Agriculture restores, rebuilds, and replenishes our soil and natural resources. Through proper farming, humanity can [help] reverse the effects of climate change and restore our planet’s health.”
Through the documentary, Kohlter hopes to educate all audiences about the facts and “inspire consumers, food distributors, and farmers to embrace Regenerative Agriculture.”
Overcoming a New Crisis
For the documentary, Kohlter is not relying on his own research alone.
“I met with numerous scientists, geologists, hydrologists, ecologists, biologists, and climatologists. I worked with my step-dad to refine my skills to film, edit, and produce a video. I visited farms and witnessed first-hand how Regenerative Agriculture transformed dry, hard dirt into three feet of nutrient-dense, black topsoil. I reached out to activists like Jaden Smith, Tom Brady, Dolores Huerta, and Greta Thunberg through the Kiss The Ground Foundation. Stunningly, they all agreed to participate in my documentary! My planet-saving film was ready to go into production.”
But then, the pandemic hit, and with it a new wave of information to decipher and theories to call into question. Even though Kohlter’s project is on hold, he’s no stranger to opposition or wading through fact and fiction when it comes to reporting news. So, he has accepted this delay until it’s safe to continue with his work. “This documentary literally means the world to me. This film would be my first contribution to science and something that could have an impact beyond my own lifetime.” If his determination to overcome adversity is any indication of the impact he can make, it’s sure to be the first of many contributions. That’s a fact.
