“I want to see a cleaner Charleston, a greener Charleston, and a more connected Charleston.” That’s Quenton King with the Charleston, WV Green Team. He’s just one of many West Virginians talking about their climate activities on a new website called People’s Climate Solutions. The website features a podcast series with people from all walks of life who are putting climate solutions in place to reduce greenhouse gases and to help move West Virginia toward a cleaner and sustainable future.
Developed by community educators Sandra Fallon, from Morgantown, WV and Frances Riemer from Sedona, Arizona, Peoples Climate Solutions got its start with initial funding from the Appalachian Stewardship Foundation. Fallon calls the new website a one stop shop. “People’s Climate Solutions offers a single place to read about, share and be inspired by West Virginians climate success stories,” says Fallon.
More climate work is going on in West Virginia than many people might imagine. Everyone from civic and nonprofit groups, churches, businesses, governments to farmers, teachers and individuals are stepping up to figure out ways to reduce heat trapping gas emissions, save money and improve our public health.
Their stories on People’s Climate Solutions span a wide spectrum. For example, The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in South Charleston and the Hedgesville Public Library are using the sun’s energy to warm their buildings. West Virginia teachers are incorporating innovative climate education projects to help students understand how climate change affects their lives, and cities like Morgantown and Charleston have started “Green Teams” to advise their communities. “Highlighting and sharing these stories”, says People’s Climate Solutions co-founder Frances Riemer, “can help people imagine possibilities for change.”
Spark your own imagination about West Virginia’s climate future and get acquainted with People’s Climate Solutions at peoplesclimatesolutions.org
