Community Rising

The cancellation of plans to build the Atlantic Coast Pipeline was announced on July 5, 2020 by utility companies Duke Energy and Dominion Energy. Today we examine the negative impacts it would have caused and ask activist Hope Taylor, director of Clean Water for North Carolina, why she fought so long to end its proposed construction. The 600-mile pipeline would have brought natural gas from West Virginia down through North Carolina and have adverse impacts on poor communities of color.
Produced by Kayla Guilliams. Music by Meydän.
Broadcast from the Working Narratives studio, this series examines environmental news in the coastal Carolina region.

Lisa Rider is the Executive Director for Coastal Carolina Riverwatch (CCR), which serves Crystal Coast and White Oak River communities. Rider speaks to how COVID-19 is affecting their organization's signature environmental education programs. Amidst social distancing, new methods for educating communities about clean waterways are emerging.
Produced by Chris Moncrief. Music by Meydän.
Broadcast from the Working Narratives studio, this series examines environmental news in the coastal Carolina region.

Low-income communities of color are disproportionately impacted by environmental issues in NC, and face higher rates of disease because of it. When COVID-19 hit, Sherri White-Williamson, the Environmental Justice Policy Director at NC Conservation Network, says it became clear that these were the communities that were going to be unduly vulnerable to the virus. In this episode, White-Williamson discusses why environmental justice communities are so at-risk and what policymakers should do about it.

Eric Griffin and Jeff Campbell are both seasoned administrators at UNCW, responsible for environmental health and safety on campus. They both explain how they could draw from past hurricane experiences to guide their plans for COVID-19 relief. Griffin and Campbell believe UNCW can be used as an example of resilience and community during these difficult times. But they admit that COVID-19 brings a whole new level of uncertainty that no one can totally prepare for.
Produced by Caroline Bailey. Music by Meydän.
Broadcast from the Working Narratives studio, this series examines environmental news in the coastal Carolina region.

Join us in this episode as we interview Wallayce Todd of Community CPR to explore the vital role of community connections in the rural areas of Columbus County after storms. Learn how her organizing, Community CPR, and neighborly bonds transform lives, foster resilience, and strengthen the social fabric of our region's rural communities.
Ten Things to Do to Prepare for a Storm and Flooding:

1. Create an Emergency Plan: Develop a family emergency plan, including communication methods, evacuation routes, and meeting points.
2. Assemble an Emergency Kit: Pack essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and important documents.
3. Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and sign up for local emergency alerts to stay updated on the storm's progress.
4. Protect Your Home: Install storm shutters or board up windows, clear gutters and drains, and secure outdoor furniture and items that could become projectiles.
5. Prepare for Power Outages: Have backup power sources like generators and stock up on extra batteries and power banks for electronic devices.
6. Elevate Important Items: Move valuable items, electronics, and documents to higher ground or upper floors to protect them from potential flooding.
7. Check Insurance Coverage: Review your home and flood insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for storm and flood damage.
8. Plan for Pets: Ensure you have supplies and a plan for your pets, including food, water, and carriers for evacuation.
9. Know How to Turn Off Utilities: Learn how to safely turn off gas, electricity, and water in case of emergency.
10. Stay Connected with Neighbors: Build a network with your neighbors to share resources, information, and support before, during, and after the storm.

Never drive into flood water, as it can be deceptively deep and dangerous, risking your safety and the safety of others.
Hosted & Produced by Akshay Gokul