Solutions, a publication “devoted to showcasing bold and innovative ideas for solving the world's integrated ecological, social, and economic problems”, has dedicated the platform of its fourth issue to highlighting needs and opportunities related to Central Appalachia’s economic transition. Featuring stories from legendary Kentucky author Wendell Berry to seasoned local activists and organizers like Vernon Haltrom of Coal River Mountain Watch, Solutions gives space to an incredibly pertinent dialogue.
Solutions advocates for “a sustainable and desirable future” – and that’s something the involved community members in Appalachia certainly know something about, so the joining of the subjects and the medium seems a good fit. The journal includes features written by nationally-recognized experts, who draw upon experience from areas outside Appalachia to share examples of possible ways forward for the region’s long-time and capable local heroes, with examples of home-grown transition efforts already making progress throughout the region.
One such example lifted up is the work of Dawn Coppock and Pat Hudson, of the Church of the Savior in Knoxville, TN. Through their participation in their church, and in tribute to a friend of theirs that passed away, the two women joined together to form LEAF – Lindquist Environmental Appalachian Fellowship, named after the late Kathy Lindquist. The group has moved from providing information they describe as “coal-mining-for-the-mildly-informed” to providing messaging and materials to over 2,000 churches throughout Tennessee, as well as to legislators in Nashville and Washington, DC. More about their Tennessee-based efforts, as well as their partnerships with groups working on transition issues across Central Appalachia, is detailed in their story.
The issue is available in full, in hard-copy and many of the stories can be accessed online. Stories featured in the 4th edition will continue to be loaded to the journal’s website, where articles from previous issues are also accessible, including Wes Jackson’s proposal for stimulating local agriculture by passing a ‘50-year Farm Bill’.
Check out the online edition as it is continually updated or for information on where you can find a hard-copy of the latest Solutions issue.
Kristin Tracz served MACED’s Research and Policy team from 2009-2012 working on clean energy policy, energy efficiency programs and the Appalachian Transition Initiative. She joined MACED after finishing her Master of Environmental Management degree at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. She now lives and works in Washington, DC.
Local artisans and entrepreneurs are hoping to bring life back to the rural communities along Route 7 in eastern Kentucky through antique shops and by investing in local artists.
Community Members hope to revitalize Route 7
appalachiantransition.org
Route 7 Antique Alley and Route 7 Artisan Fellowship are teaming up in eastern Kentucky, working across county lines, and hoping to make change happen in their communities. With 5,200 plus members …
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"A just transition requires reinvesting in regions that have historically relied on fossil fuel extraction as their economic engine. These communities fueled the growth of our nation and paid a heavy toll with the lives of their workers and the health of their communities. Creating a just transition means building a new economy that is diverse, sustainable and provides opportunities for all."
The folks at have made this awesome video about Pine Mountain and their efforts to preserve it. Take a few minutes to watch it today - you won't regret it.
KNLT has completed production of our short film The Wildlands of Pine Mountain. The film was shown at film festivals in Louisville and Morehead over the last few months. We are pleased to now share it with you. Produced by: Kertis Creative Script by: KNLT Narration by: Joan Shelley Music by: Warren Byrom & Joan Shelley We want to thank the following organizations for their financial support of this project: Owsley Brown II Family Foundation, Snowy Owl Foundation, Forecastle Foundation, Land Trust Alliance, Patagonia and Wolverine Worldwide.