Creating Climate Resilience in Appalachian Communities

Climate resilience has been a growing area of interest among AFN members that spans multiple sectors. AFN members from multiple Groups came together on May 16th and May 23rd from 12:00pm-1:30pm for a series of webinars around creating climate resilience in Appalachian communities. You can view the recorded sessions below and access series resources here.

This two-part workshop explored how environmental changes will affect communities. The first session introduced climate adaptation with a special focus on climate migration within the United States and how receiving communities can better welcome newcomers. This workshop challenged members to start thinking like a future ancestor and asks: What will future generations wish we had done?

The workshop was designed for both those new to these issues and those who have been involved with climate adaptation work. The first session covered basics about climate change such as mitigation and adaptation, in addition to environmental, economic, and political changes predicted by 2030. It also covered migration and relocation issues, including level of risk, economics, demographics, and cultural issues, as well as strategies that communities can use to welcome newcomers and resources from immigration, arts, and folklore scholarship. The second session offered a workshop-style space for discussion and review or homework resources provided.

This series was be facilitated by Maida Owens, a folklorist who has directed the Louisiana Division of the Arts Folklife Program since 1988. She is a founding member of the Bayou Culture Collaborative, an initiative of the Louisiana Folklore Society. Through monthly online gatherings and working groups, the BCC connects those interested in the intersection of traditional culture, the arts and science in the face of Louisiana’s land loss and environmental changes. Her focus is on the impact of migration upon our cultures in the face of coming disruption.