A Warming World, a Rural Challenge in Southwestern Virginia

People underestimate the extent to which climate change is affecting their health and safety, as well as the progress that has been made to mitigate the global-scale problem. People in rural areas and small towns, including many southwestern Virginians, are among the least informed about this topic, rarely connecting the dots between a global phenomenon and their own agency.

Coverage of climate-health problems, such as air pollution and extreme heat, often focuses on urban areas. Even though rural areas are usually a few degrees cooler than cities, these locations are uniquely vulnerable because of their higher prevalence of outdoor work, energy poverty, and limited health care and climate adaptation resources.

However, most rural communities are coming to grips with the fact that what used to keep them safe does not necessarily suffice in today’s weather extremes, emphasizing a need to raise awareness.

Led by journalist Katie L. Burke, this reporting series explores how Virginia's mountain communities are meeting this uncertain climate moment with a signature can-do attitude.