Planet Courage: Mountaineers & Climate Solutions
We believe that every Mountaineer is capable of contributing in meaningful ways to positive climate action, regardless of their major or professional path. To back that up, we worked with Planet Courage to shine a spotlight on Mountaineers who exemplify “climate response-ability.” They are working to secure a resilient future, creating local benefits like health, jobs, innovation, and recreation while putting climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies to work in our community.
Our Planet Courage Episodes linked below feature 16 Mountaineers from a range of academic majors, including: Anthropology, Biology, Building Sciences, Construction Management, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Industrial Technology, Nutrition & Wellness, Outdoor Education, Recreation Management, Sustainable Development and Sustainable Technology. We hope their stories will inspire you to think about how you, too, can apply your unique set of skills, talents and experiences to contribute to positive climate action!
FEEDING THE FUTURE: Food-focused Climate Solutions
This episode of “Planet Courage” spotlights Mountaineers who are working with local nonprofit organization Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture on strengthening the local food system, a food-focused climate solution that has many benefits:
- Reduces food transport and associated greenhouse gas emissions
- Supports regenerative practices that remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and store them in the soil
- Expands access to nutritious foods, contributing to better health in our community
- Supports local jobs and the local economy
ROOTING RESILIENCE: Nature-based Climate Solutions
This episode of “Planet Courage” spotlights Mountaineers who are working with regional nonprofit organization MountainTrue on restoration of floodplain forests, a nature-based climate solution that has many benefits:
- Removes greenhouse gases from the atmosphere
- Creates local cooling effect through shading and evapotranspiration
- Slows runoff and floodwaters, reducing downstream flood risks
- Filters runoff and improves water quality
- Supports healthy fisheries and aquatic communities
- Provides habitat corridor for terrestrial wildlife
- Improves recreational opportunities and local jobs/economy
POWERING POSSIBILITY: Energy-focused Climate Solutions
This episode of “Planet Courage” spotlights Mountaineers who are working with campus organization RENEW on expanding local renewable energy, an energy-focused climate solution that has many benefits:
- Reduces fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions
- Reduces harmful pollution, supporting cleaner, healthier air
- Reduces energy costs
- Supports local jobs and economy
- Improves energy independence
Our Planet Courage episodes were created in partnership with Matt Scott (right) and Erik Douds (left). App State was the first stop on their campus-to-campus tour helping students and communities embrace their stories, connect to real climate solutions, and unleash their superpowers.
Matt Scott, is the creator of Planet Courage and Director of Storytelling and Engagement at Project Drawdown, leading the organization’s climate solutions storytelling and community engagement efforts. He helps everyday people connect more deeply with climate solutions and see their own climate “superpowers.”
Erik Douds is an adventure filmmaker and the founder of Douds Studio, a production company focused on character-driven storytelling at the intersection of climate, community, and lived experience.
