A Special Edition of ‘Closer Look’: Georgia And Climate Change

A report released Monday by the United Nations says global climate change research is clear: human-caused emissions are accelerating global warming.

Quickly cutting those emissions, the report says, will help avoid the most catastrophic effects of climate change, which humans need to prepare for.

What does this mean for Georgia?

In this special edition of “Closer Look,” guests explored the effects of climate change in Georgia and how we can respond to its impacts — from applying equity in green infrastructure development to lessons learned from adaptations in other regions.

Molly Samuel, WABE environment reporter

With the Georgia Climate Conference underway on Jekyll Island, Molly Samuel shares what to expect from the conference, along with previewing her upcoming report on the dangerous effects of rising heat in urban areas.

Wellington “Duke” Reiter, founder and executive director of the Ten Across Initiative

Duke Reiter sees the I-10 corridor, stretching more than 2,400 miles across the southern U.S., as a region that deserves its own focus on shared issues. Using the lens of the Ten Across Initiative, Reiter told show host Rose Scott that he hopes climate leaders can ignore state lines to come up with solutions.

Dr. Christina H. Fuller, associate professor at the Georgia State University School of Public Health, and Suzanne Burnes, director of the Just Growth Portfolio at the Partnership for Southern Equity

Green infrastructure has some easily identified benefits, like cleaner air and reduced flooding in our neighborhoods. But those benefits are often felt unequally. In a roundtable discussion, Dr. Christina H. Fuller and Suzanne Burnes explain how implementing green infrastructure with community input can address injustice in air pollution, water quality and the effects of climate change.

LaShawn Hudson contributed to this story. 

To listen to the full conversation, click the audio player above.