Unearthed: EJ Community Festival
2024-08-16 17:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | NoDa Area, 516 15th Street, Charlotte, NC, 28206, United States
Join us at Unearthed, a community festival exposing environmental justice through creative culture and gardening. CleanAIRE NC will be tabling at the event, so be sure to stop by and say hello and learn about our upcoming GreenPrints Community Forum in Charlotte!
Learn more about the Unearthed festival here.

Workshop: Environmental Justice Mapping Tool
2024-08-20 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-08-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
We’re excited to invite you to a workshop session to review and provide feedback on a new Environmental Justice Mapping Tool being developed by the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (DIT).
This tool aims to empower our communities by providing accessible and comprehensive data to enhance environmental justice. The map will integrate air quality data, climate stressors like flooding and rising sea levels, and locations of sensitive receptors like schools, nursing homes, and affordable housing communities.
Multiple Sessions Available!
To ensure the tool meets the needs of our community, the Governors EJ Council scheduled four identical workshops to gather your insights and feedback. Pick the time that fits your schedule:

Session 1: Tuesday, August 6th, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Session 2: Tuesday, August 13th, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Session 3: Tuesday, August 20th, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Session 4: Tuesday, August 27th, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Learn more at https://publicinput.com/NCEJ
Your participation is critical. By working together, we can ensure the Environmental Justice Mapping Tool is a user-friendly, effective resource that empowers North Carolina communities to advocate for a healthier and more just environment.

Paddling Film Festival
2024-08-22 18:30 - 21:00 | New Belgium Brewing’s Brewhouse, 21 Craven Street, Asheville, NC, 28806, United States
MountainTrue is excited to bring a showing of the Paddling Film Festival World Tour to Asheville, North Carolina on August 22, 2024!
Buy tickets and learn more at: https://mountaintrue.org/event/paddling-film-festival-world-tour-screening-in-asheville-nc/
Since 2006, the Paddling Film Festival World Tour has showcased the best paddling films. You’ll be inspired to explore rivers, lakes, and oceans, push extremes, embrace the paddling lifestyle, and appreciate the wild places.
Doors to New Belgium’s Brewhouse will open at 6:00 PM, and the show will begin around 6:30. There will be several short films before an intermission, which will feature a short presentation about the work of MountainTrue’s French Broad Riverkeeper program and Headwaters Outfitters, and a raffle featuring a variety of outdoor gear and swag. Following the intermission, there will be one longer film and a couple more short clips before wrapping up for the evening at 9:00. Raffle tickets will be sold at the event.
Hungry or Thirsty? New Belgium Brewing will have a food truck on site and beer for sale inside the event space. MountainTrue will have popcorn available for free and non-alcoholic beverages for sale. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Tickets are $15.00 in advance for adults and $20.00 at the door (if available). Kids under the age of 12 are $5.

Advocacy Training
2024-09-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Want cleaner air for your community? CleanAIRE NC’s FREE Advocacy Training Workshop will equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a powerful voice for change. Learn how to develop a clear and targeted advocacy strategy, build partnerships and mobilize your community for action, and engage with policymakers and the media on clean air solutions.
Register today at https://secure.everyaction.com/rJax-DISbEm45fVxsNfISA2.

Environmental Social & Networking Event
2024-09-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Protagonist Brewery and Pizza, 227 Southside Dr, Unit A, Charlotte, 28217, United States
Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Climate Leaders for its Fall 2024 Environmental Social & Networking Event!
Connect with other community members and organizations working towards ensuring Charlotte and its surrounding municipalities meet and reach ambitious climate goals. Learn about our partner organizations, ways to get involved, and new voting requirements.
RSVP here >>> https://secure.everyaction.com/tY5rhPZ6FEGo1CroecVzAg2

NCPHA Fall Educational Conference: Navigating the Intersection Between Public Health & Climate Change
2024-09-18 13:30 - 15:00 | Harrah’s Resort and Casino, 777 Casino Dr, Cherokee, NC, 28719, United States
At this year’s Fall Educational Conference, the NC Public Health Association will host a panel with local experts (including CleanAIRE NC’s Emily Wolfe) to discuss the implications of climate change for public health. Join NCPHA to learn more about ways we can navigate the challenges of climate change and implement mitigation strategies to build healthier, resilient communities.
Panelists include:

Robyn Byers,PhD, City of Charlotte
Autumn Locklear, MSPH. NC Dept. of Health & Human Services
Emily Wolfe, LCSW, CleanAIRE NC
Katherine Idziorek, PhD, AICP, UNC-Charlotte Dept. of Earth, Environmental & Geographical Sciences

Learn more and register here.

Environmental Justice Town Hall
2024-09-21 10:00 - 14:00
Chappell Memorial Baptist Church
110 Bradford Drive
Charlotte NC 28208

13th Annual NC BikeWalk Transportation Summit
2024-09-22 - 2024-09-24 | Friday Conference Center, 100 Friday Center Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
The Summit is a comprehensive multi-day conference dedicated to promoting safety, health, community design, and equity in active mobility. It showcases nationally recognized and regional speakers, offering interactive sessions and practical tools that attendees can apply in their communities. The BikeWalk Transportation Summit serves as an invaluable educational and networking opportunity for anyone passionate about creating safer streets and fostering healthier, more equitable communities for all road users.
Learn more here >>

NC BREATHE 2024
2024-10-01 - 2024-10-02 | JB Duke Hotel, 230 Science Dr, Durham, NC, 27708
October 1 – 2, 2024
JB Duke Hotel in Durham, NC
North Carolina’s premier conference on climate change and health returns to connect science to practice. Explore the connection between air quality, climate change, and health equity through conversations with community leaders, health professionals, and policymakers. Learn how communities are finding innovative solutions and advocating for clean air and healthy environments for all. This conference is your chance to connect, gain knowledge, and make a real difference.
Learn more and register at: https://cleanairenc.org/nc-breathe-2024/

25th Annual Environmental Justice Summit: Rooted in Solidaridad, Grounded in Comunidad, Cultivating Justicia
2024-10-18 - 2024-10-20 | Franklinton Center, 281 Southbend Ln, Whitakers, NC, 27891, United States
Join the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network for their 25th Annual EJ Summit. The event will harness the power of intersectionality to help us understand how racism, militarism, and materialism (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Giant Triplets) can interact and compound inequality, and how seemingly separate struggles can intersect and lead to unique challenges and hardships.
There will be Focus Groups, Learning Panels, Strategy Sessions, and Time to Build Relationships, along with delicious food, music and award celebrations!
Learn more here >>

GreenPrints Community Kickoff
2024-10-19 09:00 - 14:00 | The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City, 320 E 9th St, Charlotte, NC, 28215, United States
We invite you to be part of shaping the future of Charlotte. A community forum is tentatively scheduled for October to gather input from residents on GreenPrints projects. Your insights and ideas are crucial to the success of this initiative.
Help Create a Greener Charlotte
GreenPrints Kickoff
Saturday, October 19 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The Dubois Center | UNC Charlotte Center City
320 E 9th Street, Charlotte
RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIwdLDDG6KhkBqWFwou_FkRrb8pzMcW1sLOPs7k3VdsK3CDQ/viewform

Rock House 250th Birthday Party
2024-10-19 11:00 - 16:00 | Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC, 28215, United States
Join the Charlotte Museum of History in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Rock House, the oldest home in Mecklenburg County! This historic milestone will be marked with a fun-filled event that’s a child’s birthday party for all ages. Enjoy delicious cake, exciting games, and more as we honor this cherished piece of our local heritage. Don’t miss out on this unique celebration—come and be part of history!
Learn more and buy tickets at https://charlottemuseum.org/programs-events/events/rock-house-250th-party/

EEJI Author's Forum: Corban Addison and Ryan Emanuel
2024-10-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Porter Byrum Welcome Center, 1580 Wake Forest Road, Winston-Salem, 27106
Wake Forest University’s Environmental and Epistemic Justice Initiative invites you to the EEJI Author’s Forum, featuring authors Corban Addison (Wastelands) and Ryan Emanuel (On the Swamp: Fighting for Indigenious Environmental Justice).
Discussion will start at 6pm, followed by a reception and book signing. The Bookhouse will be on site for those interested in purchasing books.
Learn more at events.wfu.edu/event/eeji-authors-forum-corban-addison-and-ryan-emanuel

Biketoberfest 2024
2024-10-27 11:30 - 18:00 | Triple C Brewing Company, 2900 Griffith St, Charlotte, NC, 28203, United States
Sustain Charlotte’s Biketoberfest on October 27 is a great opportunity to adventure the city. Bike through Charlotte to show your support for creating a healthy, equitable, and vibrant community for generations to come.
Learn more and register at biketoberfest.rallybound.org

39th Sustainable Agriculture Conference
2024-11-02 - 2024-11-04 | Durham Convention Center, 301 W Morgan Street, Durham, NC, 27701, United States
CFSA’s Sustainable Agriculture Conference, 39 years strong, brings together farmers, food systems changemakers, and community leaders from across the Carolinas for a weekend of learning and community focused on advancing local, sustainable, and organic agriculture.
The conference features practical workshops, an expansive trade show, and plenty of networking opportunities, all curated with the rich, diverse food systems landscape of the Carolinas in mind. Connect with our community of farmers, foodies, educators, activists, and community leaders through this unique, authentic celebration of innovation in local, sustainable agriculture – you’ll walk away inspired, with new farming and food systems tools in your toolbelt, and maybe even some new best friends.
Learn more here.

On the Swamp: Fighting for Indigenous Environmental Justice
2024-11-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC, 28215, United States
Join the Charlotte Museum of History on November 7 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM for a compelling book talk with author Ryan Emanuel, discussing On the Swamp: Fighting for Indigenous Environmental Justice. This powerful work delves into the intersection of environmental activism and Indigenous rights, focusing on the struggles faced by Native communities in defending their lands and waters.
Emanuel, a renowned environmental scientist and member of the Lumbee Tribe, shares personal insights and the broader historical context of Indigenous environmental justice efforts. Don’t miss this chance to engage in a thought-provoking discussion about one of today’s most pressing issues.
Learn more and register here.

Public Hearing: Air Quality Permit for Roxboro Gas Plant
2024-11-12 18:00 - 19:00 | Piedmont Community College, 1715 College Drive, Roxboro, NC, 27573, United States
Duke Energy has requested an air quality permit to expand the use of natural gas at its Roxboro Power Plant. This proposal raises major concerns about our health and the environment. But here’s the good news: you have a chance to make your voice heard!
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is inviting the public to provide comment on the draft air quality permit revision for Duke Energy.
Public Hearing on Duke Energy Progress, LLC – Roxboro Steam Electric Plant
Date and Time: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Location: Piedmont Community College auditorium, Room D-101
Address: 1715 College Drive, Roxboro
Learn more about the air permit and public hearing here.
Need help preparing for the public hearing? You can find a list of Talking Points here. You can also find tips and suggestions for providing public testimony in CleanAIRE NC’s Advocacy Manual (page 11).
DEQ is also accepting written comments from the public on the air quality permit through November 22. Those interested can find instructions for submitting their comments to DEQ here.

Burned: Protecting the Protectors: Film Screening, Panel, & Social Hour
2024-11-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Greensboro History Museum, 130 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC, 27401, United States
Join the Professional Fire Fighters of Greensboro and NC Conservation Network for a screening of the short film Burned: Protecting the Protectors.
This compelling documentary follows one individual’s journey to uncover the connection between “forever chemicals” (PFAS) and firefighter health. The 30-minute film will be followed by a discussion with Fire Captain Vincent Messina, Haw Riverkeeper Emily Sutton, and Katy May of the Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS to discuss how PFAS has impacted the fire service and community members across North Carolina.
The event will close with a social hour and an opportunity to engage with the speakers and other attendees. Food and drinks will be provided.
For more information or to RSVP, contact: Stephanie@ncconservationnetwork.org

Public Hearing: Air Quality Permit for Marshall Gas Plant
2024-11-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Lake Norman High School, 186 Doolie Road, Mooresville, 28117, United States
Duke Energy has requested an air quality permit to expand the use of natural gas at its Marshall Power Plant. This proposal raises major concerns about our health and the environment. But here’s the good news: you have a chance to make your voice heard!
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is inviting the public to provide comment on the draft air quality permit revision for Duke Energy.
Public Hearing on Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC – Marshall Steam Station
Date and Time: Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Location: Lake Norman High School auditorium
Address: 186 Doolie Road, Mooresville
Learn more about the air quality permit and public hearing here.
Need help preparing for the public hearing? You can find a list of Talking Points here. You can also find tips and suggestions for providing public testimony in CleanAIRE NC’s Advocacy Manual (page 11).
DEQ is also accepting written comments from the public on the air quality permit through November 22. Those interested can find instructions for submitting their comments to DEQ here.

Charlotte Strategic Energy Action Plan Community Launch Event
2024-11-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Change Please Coffee, 932 Seigle Avenue, Charlotte, NC, 28205, United States
Join the Charlotte Office of Sustainability and Resilience as they introduce the SEAP Update project to the general public. The event will be an open house style event with a short presentation, feedback stations and plenty of time for networking. Add your voice to the chorus of ideas to make Charlotte a more sustainable and resilient city!
You can register to attend the event here (registration is requested but not required).
Here’s what to expect:

Enjoy coffee and beverages from Change Please Cafe
Learn about the SEAP and progress
Network with industry professionals
Meet project leaders
Meet project leaders
Refreshments served
Families welcome
*NEW* – Get a chance to view and provide your feedback on the latest city-wide Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Climate Risk Assessment informed through this project.

Parking & Transportation

Free parking at the Innovation Barn is available but limited.
Some additional on-street parking is available in the surrounding area.
CATS bus stops are located at Seigle & Otts St. and Seigle & Belmont Ave.
The nearest CATS Blue Line Light Rail stop is at Parkwood Ave.

Power Up Charlotte's Historic West End!
2024-11-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Beatties Ford Road EV Station, 2010 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC, 28216, United States

Hop on the CATS Holiday Bus!
2024-12-07 - 2025-01-04
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) announced the return of the Holiday Bus! The public bus is wrapped in a holiday, wintry theme and provides free rides around the Charlotte region. The Charlotte Holiday Bus is placed on random routes Dec. 7, 2024, through Jan. 4, 2025. If you see it on your route – your trip is free!

The State of Our Air, Water, And Soil Town Hall
2025-03-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E 4th Street #267, Charlotte, NC, 28202
Join Charlotte City Council Member Dimple Ajmera on Thursday, March 13, 2025 for an important discussion on the state of Charlotte’s air, water, and soil.

Community Air Sensor Workshop (Virtual)
2025-03-18 - 2025-03-19 | Virtual
The Community Air Sensor Workshop was created to continue the critical discussions and knowledge-sharing around emerging air sensor technology, especially in light of the cancellation of the U.S. EPA Sensor Workshop 2025. While that event will no longer take place, our virtual workshop provides a collaborative space for experts, organizations, and community members to exchange best practices, explore innovations, and advance air quality monitoring. Through interactive sessions, hands-on workshops, and open discussions, we aim to empower communities with accurate, accessible air quality data—driving innovation and informed decision-making for a cleaner, healthier future.
This event is completely free and organized entirely by volunteers who are passionate about advancing air quality monitoring and making sensor technology more accessible. Our goal is to ensure that knowledge and collaboration remain open to all. We appreciate the dedication of our organizers and contributors, whose efforts make this workshop possible.

Be a Better Advocate!
2025-03-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Patagonia Charlotte, 101 W Worthington Ave #180, Charlotte, 28203
Join Charlotte Mecklenburg Climate Leaders and CleanAIRE NC to learn ways to be a better advocate for our climate. This interactive event will include time to connect with other environmentalists and environmental groups in our area.
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 | 7:00pm
Patagonia Charlotte
101 W. Worthington Avenue #180
RSVP >>

Climate Inequality CLT
2025-03-21 13:00 - 14:00 | UNC Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC, 28223
Don’t miss this conversation with two of Charlotte’s top environmental leaders: former mayor of Charlotte Jennifer Roberts and public educator and founder of Harvesting Humanity, Eboné Lockett!

The event will take place on Friday, 3/21 at UNC Charlotte in 124 McEniry Hall from 1-2 pm and light refreshments will be provided.

Jennifer Roberts and Eboné Lockett will share with us about their life-long dedication to climate justice work in Charlotte government and educational leadership. Read their bios here.

Moderators Dr. Michael Ewers (EEGS), Dr. Tina Shull (HIST), and Adreonna Bennett (Atkins Library) will also discuss the Climate Inequality CLT project, including the Climate Inequality CLT Atlas and StoryMaps built with students and support from the Urban Institute, and how the project leverages data, digital storytelling, public exhibits, oral histories, and community conversations to elevate Charlotte’s environmental justice leadership.

Please RSVP at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffuypK723OKsZvIMiq1E9u9IXtmYSGXcmFlpELnF0hYKiMxQ/viewform
This event is co-sponsored by CHARP and the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences Speaker Series

Carolinas Climate Summit
2025-04-10 | The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City, 320 E 9th St, Charlotte, NC, 28215, United States
Join the 2025 Carolinas Climate Summit on Thursday, April 10, at the Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City for an all-day series of panels and talks about our changing climate. More details to come soon…

2025 Charlotte Earth Day
2025-04-12 12:00 - 16:00 | Independent Picture House, 4237 Raleigh Street, Charlotte, NC, 28213, United States
Charlotte Earth Day coming on April 12, 2025 to the Independent Picture House!
Charlotte’s largest annual Earth Day celebration brings together community members to celebrate our environment, engage families with fun educational activities, foster lifelong connections with nature, and connect attendees with environmentally conscious organizations and businesses from the Charlotte area.
Charlotte Earth Day is open to all members of the community, including children and their families, young adults, educators, and everyone passionate about sustainability. The event will feature dozens of exhibitors representing Charlotte-based organizations and businesses.
This year’s program is part of The Independent Picture House’s Community Impact Film Series. Participate in all 2025 Charlotte Earth Day events at IPH (4237 Raleigh St., Suite 4, Charlotte, NC 28213)!
Learn more and stay up to date at: charlotteearthday.com

Environmental Justice in the Midst of Polycrisis: Where Do We Go from Here?
2025-04-30 08:00 - 14:45 | Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27109
On April 30th, delve into the vital topic of environmental justice at Wake Forest University’s spring summit. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from impactful leaders, including CleanAIRE NC’s Executive Director, Jeff Robbins, and former Executive Director and Charlotte Mecklenburg Climate Leader, June Blotnick, who will be panelists in the day’s opening discussion. Prepare to be inspired by the keynote address delivered by the renowned environmental justice and civil rights activist, Rev. Ben Chavis. This is a free event you won’t want to miss!
The Summit is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Registration is required.
8:45 AM | WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS
8:50 AM | THE FIGHT FOR ENERGY JUSTICE

Moderator: Justin Catanosa , Professor of Practice, WFU Journalism Program and Environmental Journalist
Jeffrey Robbins , Executive Director, CleanAIRE NC
William Barber, III , Senior Director of Impact, The Coalition for Green Capital and Founder, The Rural Beacon Initiative
June Blotnick, Climate Consultant and Co-Founder, CharMeck Climate Leaders

10:00 AM | MENTAL HEALTH IN THE ERA OF CLIMATE CRISIS

Moderator: Melba Newsome , Program Coordinator and Summer Institute Director, WFU Environmental and Epistemic Justice Initiative
Goldie Smith Byrd, Professor, WFU School of Medicine
Lisa Sorg , Adjunct Professor, WFU Journalism Program and North Carolina Reporter for Inside Climate News
Rajendra Morey, Professor, Duke University School of Medicine

11:15 AM | INDIGENOUS ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Moderator: Ryan E. Emanuel, Associate Professor, Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment
Courtney Locklear Steed , Founder and Director, Cultural Burn Association
Louie Rivers, Senior Social Science Advisor, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

1:45 PM | EEJI FACULTY FELLOWS RESEARCH AT WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY

Tivia Collins, Assistant Professor, WFU Department of Women’s, Gender,
and Sexuality Studies
Claire Crawford , Assistant Professor, WFU Department of Politics and International Affairs and Program in African American Studies
Daniel Henry, Assistant Teaching Professor, WFU Program in African American Studies and The Program for Leadership and Character
Rowie Kirby-Straker, Assistant Professor, WFU Department of Communication
Khaliah Reed, Assistant Professor, WFU Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

CLOSING REMARKS
