Environmental Ed. Training Center: Environmental Justice in North Carolina

In February of 2022, Environmental and climate justice advocate and scholar, William Barber III presented on the many social justice implications of climate change. Read this compelling summary of his facts and solutions from our wonderful partner nonprofit Conserving Carolina, who partly sponsored the event.

Learn more!

When MountainTrue and Asheville Design Center merged in 2017, there was some concerns over the connection between the natural environment and the built environment. In this webinar facilitated by EarthShare, Chris Joyell from MountainTrue explains how these two ideas, along with environmental justice, are actually interconnected.

In recent years, the National Park Service had made efforts to reckon with the racism in the agencies history. Explore the black history of the Blue Ridge Parkway with Dr. Anne Mitchel Whisnant, professional historian and Director of Graduate Liberal Studies Program at Duke University.

Systemic racism is discrimination based on race and ethnicity that is embedded in the laws and culture of our society. Join the NC Sustainable Energy Association in this discussion of equity and inclusion in the clean energy industry.

Listen here!

RAFI-USA advocates for environmentally, economically, and racially just farm communities and policies. In their poignant documentary film from 2017, they highlight the injustice of contracted poultry farming and the communities on the edge of bankruptcy.

Click here to watch!

As both gas prices and average temperatures rise, the world is looking towards different modes of transportation than personal cars. Watch this short webinar from Sustain Charlotte to learn about equitable streets, and how they can revolutionize a city.

Many plants throughout the Southeast are culturally important species, meaning they have prominent functional roles with local communities. One such species rivercane, often used to make the Cherokee baskets that have been beautifully crafted for countless generations. Learn about the communities that revere the rivercane and how Conserving Carolina is working to protect it with this powerful article.

Learn more!

Diesel vehicles, like those transporting for warehouses and distribution facilities, emit potentially toxic particulate matter. Where these facilities are located drastically impacts human health, with more being located in Black and Latino communities. Read about the Environmental Defense Fund’s new mapping tool to help recognize which communities should be prioritized in the switch to clean transport.

Learn more!

Hammocks Beach State Park was one of the first state parks open to African Americans in the country. Visit this beautiful park just south of Jacksonville, or watch this amazing documentary from PBS to learn more about its history.

Historic Stagville (pictures above) includes one of the largest former plantations in North Carolina. Learn about the people who were enslaved on this property by visiting this historic site. 

Home to one of the first camp sites for African Americans in the state, Cumberland Knob is full of lush woodlands and open fields is perfect for a hike and a discussion of Blue Ridge Parkway history.

Buying locally grown farm products is one of the best ways to support your community, reduce your carbon footprint, and insure fresh and delicious food. Check out the local food directories from the USDA to find all the local products you want and need.

Check it out here!

CleanAIRE NC hosts a book club every month to promote conversations around environmental justice. Register for their next virtual discussion with Q&A sessions and informal talks with other members!

Register here!