Climate Action campaign

The Haw River Assembly has ramped up our efforts to respond to the climate crisis,and we invite you to join us.

Explore the sections below to learn more about what’s changing, how you can take action, and where you can learn more.

Below you will find answers to these questions:

What’s changing?

How to take action?

what are my Resources?

WHAT’S CHANGING

What do we mean by “Climate Change”?

Climate change is when the Earth's environment gets warmer and weather patterns change. Weather patterns have always fluctuated with time, but over the past century humans have released so much “greenhouse gas” into our atmosphere that we have essentially created a blanket around the planet, trapping heat and causing unprecedented warming. Greenhouse gasses are released when we burn fossil fuels (oil, gas, and coal) to create the energy we use to run our cars, turn on the lights, and make all the things that make our lives easier.

This human-created blanket of greenhouse gas around the planet is disrupting ecosystems and weather patterns across the planet, causing stronger & more frequent storms, rising sea levels from melting ice, shifts in seasons, and rising temps. Humans, animals, and plants are all struggling to adapt to this rapidly changing world, and to minimize suffering we all have to take part in encouraging our governments and communities to both minimize the use of greenhouse gasses and invest in adaptation measures to protect all of us. Keep reading for more information about what is happening and expected to happen in North Carolina, and how we can come together to help.

Local Climate Change Impacts

The 2020 North Carolina Climate Science Report predicts an increase in annual total precipitation across the state, with extreme precipitation events becoming both more frequent and intense. These projections are already evident in our region. In the 2024 State of the Haw report, we observed that between 2011 and 2024, parts of the Haw River watershed experienced rising annual precipitation levels and an increase in days with over one inch of rainfall.

Community Impacts

As rainfall grows more frequent and intense, the risk of flooding in our watershed increases. Unfortunately, our existing stormwater infrastructure, flood insurance systems, and communities were designed for weather patterns of the past, leaving them ill-equipped to handle the uncertainties of the future. This challenge disproportionately affects marginalized communities and communities of color, who are more likely to live in flood-prone areas or lack the robust infrastructure needed to endure severe storms.

Precipitation & Storms

Flooding

The NC Climate Science Report projects that flooding in the Piedmont region will likely intensify due to more frequent and severe rainfall events. These impacts are exacerbated by the loss of old-growth forests and the expansion of impervious surfaces from ongoing development within the watershed. Over the past two decades, the Haw River has already shown an upward trend in both total annual flow and maximum annual flow, reflecting these changes.

Community Impacts

The increasing frequency and severity of flooding pose significant risks to homes, businesses, and community infrastructure. More frequent flooding can lead to sanitary sewer overflows and failure of onsite septic systems, releasing harmful pollutants into the environment. These pollutants contribute to elevated bacteria levels and nutrient loading in surface waters, which can have serious health implications for surrounding communities.

Temperatures

Local experts predict that temperatures across North Carolina will increase significantly in all seasons. This trend is already evident, with a steady rise in temperatures over the past 50 years. In 2024, the Triangle region experienced its hottest day on record, reaching a sweltering 106°F.

Community Impacts

Rising temperatures threaten public health and exacerbate environmental justice issues. Extreme heat increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and outdoor workers. Low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately affected due to limited access to cooling resources.

Higher temperatures also reduce water availability through increased evaporation in reservoirs, heightening the risk of severe droughts. North Carolina’s worst drought in 2007 left some municipalities with less than a 100-day water supply, a situation that may become more common as temperatures continue to rise.

Loss of Biodiversity

Climate change is altering ecosystems across North Carolina, causing shifts in biodiversity. Rising temperatures, habitat changes, and the spread of invasive species are making it increasingly difficult for many plants and animals to survive. Native species are struggling to adapt, while invasive species often outcompete them, further disrupting fragile ecosystems.

Community Impacts

The loss of biodiversity threatens critical ecosystem services, such as clean water, pollination, and soil health, which are essential for agriculture, forestry, and overall community well-being. Declines in native species can also disrupt food chains, impacting recreational activities like fishing and hunting that many communities value. Marginalized communities are particularly vulnerable to these changes, as they often depend more directly on local ecosystems for resources and may lack the means to adapt to these challenges.

In 2021, our Climate Action Committee put together additional resources regarding climate change impacts to our area. For more information, please check out the following documents based heavily on the “North Carolina Climate Risk Assessment and Resilience Plan” from Governor Cooper’s administration and the North Carolina Climate Science Report by North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, an inter-university project.

  • Local Climate Change Impacts on Precipitation, Storms & Flooding

  • Limits on Drinking Water Supply

  • How Climate Change Impacts Wastewater Systems

  • Local Climate Change Impacts on Drought

  • Extreme Weather Changes in the Piedmont

  • Climate Justice

  • Increased Temperatures

  • Impacts of Increased Population and Population Density in the Piedmont

How to Take Action

Taking action against climate change can feel daunting, but it starts small.

Here are a few simple things you can do locally to make a difference:

Engage with your Local Government

Whether you live in a city or the countryside, you have a local governing body that creates local laws and invests your tax dollars into community infrastructure - you can and should be part of this process! Town/City Council meetings and County Commissioners meetings are typically held twice a month and provide the opportunity to speak directly to your elected officials (for ~3minutes), show up and tell them what you care about!

Your local representatives work for you, but they need to know your priorities in order to make necessary changes.

We have a list of potential climate talking points listed below, please consider giving public comment on the climate priorities that you find most critical - its simple, its quick, and its free!

Go a step further and volunteer on a municipal advisory board to help your local government make decisions on planning and community priorities. Town Councils and County Commissioners typically rely on specialized groups of volunteers known as “advisory boards” to work on specific issues - please consider volunteering on an environmental or planning board to emphasize the importance of climate action in your community!

Examples of local Advisory Boards focused on the environment and climate issues:

Recommendations to bring to your local advisory board or council meeting:

  • Establish a Clean Energy Goal

    • Support a statewide goal that results in 100% of North Carolina’s electricity be generated by renewable energy sources by 2050.

    • Support programs that include rebates for battery electric vehicles, home and work chargers, home and industrial solar and wind generation, battery storage, and passive solarization of buildings.

  • Invest in Flood Resiliency

    • Stormwater design requirements must be revised to meet new rainfall intensity statistics–not historic data. Infrastructure like dams, drinking water systems and wastewater systems must be improved to withstand greater rates of rainfall and flooding.

  • Protect Vulnerable Populations

    • Lower income communities have historically been located in floodplains, mobile homes have an elevated risk from high winds and tornadoes, and a high heat events can be dangerous to those without air conditioning.

    • Our governments should invest in protecting all communities, particularly those who have been systemically marginalized and lack the resources themselves.

  • Invest in Native Plants or Conservation areas

    • Fund more pollinator gardens made with native plants to encourage local biodiversity

    • Conserve land to act as both a local refuge for plants and animals and to serve as a carbon sink for generations to come.

  • Invest in Green Jobs

    • Promote job creation through the implementation of plans and policies for renewable energy, energy efficiency, infrastructure upgrades and green technologies.

    • Support carbon neutral industry, expertise, products, and services to make NC a leader in the country.

Write to your representatives

While your local governments typically have the most impact on your day to day experience, State and Federal elected officials can pass more comprehensive policies to address climate change. Contact them!

You can find your State and Federal representatives here: ncleg.gov/findyourlegislators

In 2021, we wrote letters to the NC General Assembly, the US Congress, and our local officials. These letters are linked below and can be used to help you draft your own concerns:

  • Our Letter to State Officials

  • Our Letter to Congress

  • Our Letter to Local Legislators and Advisory Boards

Across North Carolina, there are many non-profits hard at work to address climate injustices and bring communities together around environmental issues.

We encourage you to explore and learn from these groups, many of whom host events, protests, canvassing events, volunteer opportunities, opportunities for collaboration & more!

Please consider reaching out, volunteering with, or donating to these groups:

SUpport local Non-profits

Make climate Friendly Decisions

Climate change is a global challenge, and while individual actions are important, the responsibility of solving this crisis should not fall solely on individuals. Large-scale, systemic changes are essential to addressing climate change, but individuals can play a key role in shifting the culture toward sustainability. By making mindful decisions and advocating for policies that support a healthier environment, we can collectively drive positive change.

Here are a few things you may consider:

  • Mindful Transportation Choices: Transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Making mindful decisions about how we get around can have a significant impact.

    • Public Transit: Utilizing public transit reduces emissions and traffic congestion, making it a more sustainable choice for commuting especially in the Triangle region.

    • Efficient Cars: When driving is necessary, choosing fuel-efficient or electric vehicles reduces carbon emissions. The Triangle Clean Cities Coalition in the region works to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by offering resources, incentives, and education.

  • Homeowner Options: For homeowners, there are numerous ways to reduce energy consumption and support a greener environment.

    • Solar Panels: Installing solar panels on your home can lower your energy bills while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Local programs like NC’s Solar For All may offer residents discounts or rebates to install solar panels.

    • Rain Barrels: Collecting rainwater with a barrel can reduce water use for landscaping and gardening. Some municipalities, like the City of Durham, offer rain barrels at wholesale prices ($75) to encourage water conservation.

    • Upgrade Cooling and Heating Systems: With rising temperatures, having efficient air conditioning or heating systems is essential for maintaining comfort and health. Look into energy-efficient cooling and heating solutions that can reduce energy use while keeping your household safe. The Weatherization Assistance Program offers low-income households in North Carolina free or low-cost energy efficiency upgrades.

  • Waste Reduction: Reducing waste not only cuts down on the environmental burden but also helps in creating a culture of sustainability.

    • Recycle: Recycling paper, plastic, glass, and metal helps conserve natural resources and reduces the amount of waste in landfills. While our recycling systems are in need of improvement, it is absolutely worth it to recycle.

    • Composting: Composting organic waste reduces landfill waste and creates nutrient-rich soil for gardening. The Orange County Solid Waste Management offers discounts on compost bins, and local governments and organizations, like the NC Cooperative Extension, host work host educational compost workshops across the watershed.

  • Get Prepared: As climate change intensifies, extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, heatwaves, and droughts are becoming more frequent and severe. Preparing your household for these events is essential to ensuring the safety and resilience of your family and community.

    • Lean into community: Build strong relationships with your neighbors to foster mutual aid during extreme events. We’ve seen firsthand how powerful this can be in the wake of Hurricane Helene, where neighbors supported one another in times of need. Strengthening these community bonds can help ensure everyone has the resources they need during a crisis.

    • Support local food systems: Shopping at local farmers' markets (like in Durham or Carrboro) and supporting local food initiatives help create a resilient food system in your community. During extreme weather events, local food sources become crucial, as they are less susceptible to disruptions from distant supply chains.

    • Know where to go: Familiarize yourself with local resources, such as community centers, churches, and libraries, that can serve as cooling centers during heatwaves or provide access to food, water, and other basic needs during emergencies.

    • Household Preparedness: Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, and first-aid supplies. Create a plan for your household, including evacuation routes and communication strategies.

Resources