Our Time With Charleston Climate Activists

For our final stop in Charleston, SC, we visited the Woodlands Nature Reserve to meet local climate activists organizing a Climate Faire at the Artcellium Fest. The event featured music, art workshops, a movie screening, yoga, a nature walk, and food. The Climate Faire was a perfect example of incorporating activism into everyday life by strengthening attendees connection with nature.

At the festival we spoke to Belvin Olasov and Alison Craig of the Charleston Climate Coalition as well as Emma Abrams and Autumn Waddell, members of the newly formed Charleston Chapter of the Sunrise Movement. Each discussed their own unique perspectives regarding why climate action was personal to themselves and the people of Charleston. 

Given our focus on the democratization of our energy system, we were amazed at the attention to detail in regards to the stakeholders involved in their activism. The picture below displaying the interconnectedness of the movement was a sign on display at the CCC’s booth. 

Throughout our entire trip to Charleston, each discussion emphasized the importance of strengthening these relationships to successfully mobilize a community.