In the News
Throwing some shade in the less fortunate communities
After the Monuments podcast
Kelli and Michael Paul welcome Sheri Shannon to studio to talk about her work with Southside ReLeaf, a volunteer-run organization committed to building a healthy, equitable and sustainable environment for all residents in South Richmond.
35,870 trees planted in Richmond blows past 5-year goal, Department of Public Utilities announces
8 News
Richmond shot over a five-year goal for the number of trees to be planted in the city, the Department of Public Utilities announced Tuesday, Dec. 6.
Can U.S. cities use climate plans to 'undo' racist legacies?
Reuters
The Southside area of Richmond is home to industrial lots, racially diverse neighborhoods, an enormous tobacco facility – and little public greenery.
Arbor Day RVA works to help city meet tree canopy goals
VPM
Reforest Richmond is working with grassroots groups and the city to celebrate Arbor Day RVA. The partner organizations have planned tree plantings, giveaways and more in an effort to build momentum toward the city’s tree-cover goals.
Chesapeake Bay region loses ground in effort to increase tree canopy
Bay Journal
Looking at the skinny elm sapling reaching for the sky in his backyard, James Bryant said that he hopes he lives long enough to be able to sit under its canopy and read a book in summer.
Environmentalists call for more green infrastructure ahead of Hurricane Ian
VPM
While rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ian could mean flooded streets in South Richmond, environmental groups say that green infrastructure might help mitigate future flooding.
This is why certain parts of Richmond are hotter than others
CBS 6
As a heat wave smothers Richmond, some parts of the city are feeling the impacts of it more than others.
Richmond's urban heat islands -- Scott's Addition, Jackson Ward, Manchester -- put communities in danger
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Manchester is one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city of Richmond — along with Scott’s Addition, Jackson Ward, Monroe Ward, the Diamond District and part of Virginia Commonwealth University.
Stoney introduces draft 'Climate Equity' plan for Richmond following public criticism of spending plan
Richmond Times-Dispatch
With the goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 — and eliminating it completely by 2050 — the city of Richmond is seeking public input on its plans to hit those targets.
Intern Hallie Tucker’s Interview with Sheri Shannon of Southside ReLeaf
Virginia Water Resources Research Center
As an intern for the Virginia Water Resources Research Center, I am conducting interviews and creating art about environmental justice leaders, water rights advocates, and scientists, from around the country, to discuss their roles in the fight for environmental justice.
Lawmakers prune equity initiatives from tree canopy bill
VPM
Legislation aimed at increasing tree canopies across Virginia passed both chambers of the General Assembly after legislators compromised on removing language around equity.
Taking Root
Richmond Magazine
In the city of Richmond, there are an estimated 120,000 trees on public land. Numerous nonprofits and volunteer groups are working to increase that number, as trees provide many benefits, from filtering pollution and preventing erosion to lowering temperatures. In some areas, planting trees has become a form of climate — and community — activism.
Virginia Home Grown: Southside ReLeaf
VPM
Host Peggy Singlemann talks to Amy Wentz and Sheri Shannon of Southside ReLeaf to learn how the grassroots organization brings volunteers together with other community groups to plant trees and combat the urban heat islands in Southside Richmond.
Free trees are available to Southside Richmond residents. Here is how to get some for your home
NBC 12
As part of an effort to increase tree cover, Southside ReLeaf and Chesapeake Bay Foundation are offering free trees to Southside Richmond residents.
City Council declares City of Richmond to be in a state of climate emergency
The Commonwealth Times
Richmond has become one of the 2,006 local governments across the world to declare to be in a state of climate emergency, according to the Climate Emergency Declaration and Mobilisation website.
Williams: Climate change is compounding social injustice. It must be addressed.
Richmond Times-Dispatch
History — as much as rising sea levels, soaring temperatures and fossil fuels warming the planet — has left impoverished Black residents of Hampton Roads vulnerable to environmental onslaught.
Yes, Virginia, we are seeing more — and more intense — rainfall
Virginia Mercury
Record-setting rainfall in 2018. A month’s worth of water that drenched Northern Virginia in an hour in July 2019. Neighborhoods that flood repeatedly in Richmond’s Southside and Petersburg.
Richmond on Fire
Chesapeake Unchartered
Climate change is making it hotter. But communities of color are likely to feel the heat more. In Richmond, VA, solutions are being tested that could point the way for other American cities.
Environmental inequalities: American cities are taking matters into their own hands
Radio Canada
Alors que le président Biden promet de se battre pour la justice environnementale, des municipalités tentent de renverser des tendances historiques. (French)
As President Biden vows to fight for environmental justice, municipalities are trying to reverse historic trends.
Greening Southside Richmond
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
In formerly redlined neighborhoods, how can trees bring peace, provide health benefits, and reduce pollution?