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.
Tag: environment
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The History Press: Local author Danny Bernstein launches book on Mountains-to-Sea Trail
You may be familiar with the Appalachian Trail, which trots through North Carolina. But do you know about the state’s own Mountains-to-Sea Trail? Author and hiker Danny Bernstein will discuss the trail and her new book, Mountains to Sea Trail Across North Carolina, on Tuesday, March 5, at Diamond Brand.
Stunning sunset: Another day in Western North Carolina’s winter weather
Timing is everything, especially when weather conditions change as quickly as they do in the mountains. Tuesday morning, Feb. 19, brought huge fluffy snowflakes to the higher elevations, quickly adding up to a couple of inches of snow. The whiplash of a day ended with a stunning sunset that was enhanced by concentric halos around the setting sun. 
Portion of former CTS property for sale
When Tate MacQueen drove past the former CTS of Asheville plant recently on his way home, a for-sale sign caught his eye. The 8.3-acre parcel on offer was originally part of the nearly 60-acre CTS property — some of which was designated a Superfund site last year.
Impressive clouds and some cool news
It’s fair to say that Western North Carolina has been in an active weather pattern this winter. Every few days, another system approaches the region from the west or northwest, bringing changing weather conditions. And this week was no different. Tuesday afternoon saw another one of these systems roll in and as it did, it also brought some amazing clouds that swept over the valley.
Where did the snow fall?
Western North Carolina can seem like a land divided at times. The complex terrain of this region has a significant impact on the climate and the type of weather that we experience at any given location. The higher elevations experienced significant snow though out the multi-day event, while many folks in the valley were left with just a few flurries.
Ice, then fire. Be prepared for the clash of the Titans (and a High Wind Warning)
Last week’s ice-and-sleet storm left a mess in several counties across Western North Carolina. The complex temperature structure in the atmosphere resulted in a thick coating of ice in some areas, but produced just rain in others. Now, after several days of spring-like temperatures, spring-like thunderstorms will impact the region on Wednesday, Jan. 30. A High Wind Warning has been issued by the NWS.
Photos: Rally against Duke Energy
Nearly 100 area residents gathered in Pritchard Park Saturday to call on Duke Energy “to include more clean energy in [its] 2013 Integrated Resource Plan.” Some also protest what they say are unfair rate hikes by Duke Energy.
Live: Updates on today’s ice storm via Twitter
Twitter is abuzz with reports of increasingly icy conditions across Asheville and Western North Carolina, causing hazardous driving conditions and other problems.
The challenges of winter weather
Winter can bring all kinds of challenges to the mountains — from cold and windy conditions like we’ve seen today to the threat for wintry weather. And, while snow can bring an almost festive vibe to our area, the threat of freezing rain or sleet is a whole other story.
Blue Ridge Parkway releases first ever comprehensive management plan
The Blue Ridge Parkway’s new plan aims to provide guidance for perpetuating natural systems, preserving cultural resources, and providing opportunities for high-quality visitor experiences along the parkway for the next 20+ years. After more than 75 years since the parkway was established, this is its first comprehensive management plan.
Winter is about to arrive
After three days of rain, many locations in Western North Carolina have reported significant rainfall. Now, the larger-scale weather pattern appears to be shifting into a more winter-like pattern for the Eastern U.S., with a significant winter storm expected later today and arctic air moving in over the weekend. So, hold on: It looks like it’s going to be a bumpy ride!
What will 2013 bring?
Weather conditions in our region so far this year have been described as “mild” — with average temperatures at Asheville Regional Airport running slightly above normal for all but three days since the start of the New Year. And, while it’s hard to find too many folks who complain about mild temperatures in January, it does force the question: How will the weather of 2013 compare to that of 2012?
National Weather Service: ‘High Wind Warning’ for Buncombe County
The National Weather Service has issued a “High Wind Warning” for much of Western North Carolina, including Buncombe County.
2012’s greatest hits: The year’s top news and opinion stories
Here’s a look at some of the most viewed news and opinion stories on the Xpress website this year.
Tomorrow never knows: WNC disasters past, present and future
Even as the holidays come barreling toward us, some folks around the globe fear the mythical planet Nibiru may be doing the same and will trigger some unspecified cataclysm on Dec. 21. Notwithstanding the supposed end of the Mayan calendar, however, local agencies seem focused on preparing for more realistic potential threats. Although it may not be the end of the world, Western North Carolina does remain vulnerable to a wide range of natural and human-made catastrophes, including floods, blizzards, fires and even nuclear accidents.
Video: Spend a day at the landfill and learn about its programs
A new video produced by Buncombe County aims to answer the question, “what happens to your garbage once it leaves your back door or driveway?”
December makes its big entrance
The month of December had been off to a warm start in Western North Carolina, with the average temperature in Asheville for the first 10 days of the month reported at 10.2° F above normal. However, Dec. 10’s nighttime cold front brought an end to the warmth. It is feeling like the holiday season has finally arrived — even bringing some light snow to the higher elevations in WNC. The image below shows a light dusting of fine snow on a white pine at 4,000 ft in Madison County on Tuesday morning, Dec. 11.
Asheville City Council preview: After the report
Before the Dec. 11 Asheville City Council meeting, staff will present a long-awaited report on a possible merger of the city’s water system. The agenda also has plenty to consider, including the appointment of a board for the downtown Business Improvement District, tougher conservation easement rules for the watershed and a trolley bicycle service.
We do this for the love of life
Let's entertain for a moment the notion that there is nothing strange going on in the atmosphere, and put aside for a moment the very grave implications of climate change as a massive, global governmental hoax [“Global Warming Is a False Belief,” Nov. 14 Xpress]. Is everything peachy now? Does my asthma go away? Does […]
An appeal against deliberate ignorance
It is not necessary to counter Michael Ivey’s Nov. 14 letter, “Global Warming is a False Belief,” with the data and credible evidence and general scientific consensus that human activity does impact our atmosphere that is accumulating more heat (the energy that powers weather). Rather, I wish to call attention to the fallacy of denial […]