Front Porch Blog
Updates from Appalachia
’80s Flashback: Dr. Hansen’s carbon dioxide warning
On this date in 1988, Dr. James Hansen of NASA testified about the scientific evidence clearly linking carbon dioxide to global climate shifts before a Congressional committee. But Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy” was one of the top tunes of the time and that attitude drowned out climate scientists for years. Twenty-six years later, America is beginning to take Hansen’s warning seriously.
O, to have the bully pulpit of Congress
Rep. Nick Rahall — like too many others in Congress — apparently sees no problem using that forum to spout untruths and fabrications to further his own agenda. In this case, he mischaracterizes the EPA’s veto of a permit for one of the largest mountaintop removal mines in the region in order to safeguard Appalachia’s waters and communities.
Tennessee sprouting up as a leader in home energy efficiency
Summer has arrived in Tennessee. Gardens are starting to produce a bounty of flowers and veggies. The longing for home grown tomatoes will soon be satisfied, and energy efficiency prospects are springing up all across the volunteer state. It’s exciting to see Tennessee sowing the seeds of a sustainable energy efficiency program, and we couldn’t be prouder to be part of this effort.
From farm to fork to mountain trails: summer edition of The Appalachian Voice
Dive into summer with the June/July issue of The Appalachian Voice, featuring ecotourism attractions in southwest Virginia, destination farmers markets and environmental news coverage. Learn about genetically modified organisms and what some common labels really mean about your food. Investigate the issues surrounding coal, coal ash and carbon dioxide. This latest mountain news reporting encourages you to get out and explore your community.
Amplifying citizens’ voices
Earlier this month, a group of Appalachian citizens traveled to Washington, D.C., to tell members of Congress and Obama administration officials how mountaintop removal coal mining has contaminated drinking water, poisoned streams, polluted air, and devastated local economies in their communities. Judging by the reaction, their stories hit home with many of these decision makers.
