Rolling Stone: Black Mountain’s Anna Joyner is the ‘millennial face’ of biblical-based environmen­talism

Joyner previously worked for the WNC Alliance and is currently working as a climate campaign consultant for the national We Are Here Now organization. She gained national attention last year for being featured in the “Years of Living Dangerously” Showtime documentary series that explored the challenges of climate change.

System change, not climate change, say conference participan­ts

If we want a future for our grandchildren, what changes must our society make in the next few years? What can we do as individuals and as a community? Asheville was one of 15 cities across the country chosen by Rainforest Action Network for a Climate Leadership Summit, held on Oct. 25-26 at Lenoir-Rhyne University. […]

Crowd shows up to object to Progress rate hike

At a five-hour hearing conducted by the North Carolina Utilities Commission last night, every speaker except those representing the Council of Independent Business Owners and Biltmore Farms objected to rate hikes proposed by Progress Energy. The speakers’ reasons for opposition ranged from the impact of the rate increases on the working poor to projected environmental damage. Photo by Max Cooper

Climate change, agricultur­e & Warren Wilson College scientist Laura Lengnick

Just 1 percent of headlines these days cover environmental news, despite findings that 80 percent of readers, listeners and viewers want to hear more, according to the nonprofit initiative, Project for Improved Environmental Coverage. Asheville’s fortunate to be near the center of environmental studies, activism and interest — in part due to the work of such experts as Warren Wilson College professor/scientist Laura Lengnick.

God bless the farmers

Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn what the World Bank environmental advisors say — or think, for that matter. I would speculate that, before the 16th century, there were more buffalo in America than there are cattle now. I would even go further to speculate that there were many more wild animal farts […]

NOAA announces new National Climate Service, taps Asheville’­s Karl to lead

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Monday announced a plan to create a new Climate Service to meet an ever-increasing demand for information about climate change, and officials tapped Thomas R. Karl, the director of NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, to work as “transitional director” of the new Climate Service.

Headwaters Gathering shines spotlight on local climate change

Now’s the time to consider how climate change might affect our region, say the organizers of the first Headwaters Gathering. Dubbed “Southern Appalachia at the Crossroads,” the conference, slated for the weekend of March 27-29 at Warren Wilson College, will bring together a diverse mix of experts, environmentalists, activists, writers and community leaders, says Margo […]

The Green Scene

Rick Borchelt is one of those rare scientists who’s also a good communicator. So says Pamela McCown, a former TV meteorologist who’s now involved in educational and job-creation initiatives in Western North Carolina. She describes Borchelt as a biologist who “was bit by the science-communication bug.” Communications director for the Genetics and Public Policy Center […]

Hot air

Several years ago, poet/farmer Wendell Berry penned a controversial essay titled “Why I am Not Going to Buy a Computer,” in which he presented a clearheaded rationale for not buying into this form of technological slavery. His critics countered that computers enable them to follow and respond to the numerous environmental issues we face. Berry […]