Honoring the Web of Life Across Appalachia

Appalachian Region

The Catholic Committee of Appalachia and the dioceses of central Appalachia (Lexington, Kentucky, Steubenville, Ohio, Wheeling, West Virginia, Knoxville, Tennessee, Charlotte, North Carolina and Richmond, Virginia will team-up to examine the significant and numerous environmental issues facing the Appalachian region as a result of an economic base built on both extractive industries (coal, oil, timber) and as the dumping ground for other communities toxic waste and trash.

Residents of this region bring a unique perspective: for many their economic livelihood is in working in these industries. On the other hand, extraction and dumping contribute to environmental degradation, health and other economic problems in the region.

Into this mix steps the leadership of the Catholic Committee of Appalachia. The will begin by educating the leadership of the 27 dioceses that comprise the Appalachian region. The education process will continue with pastors, seminarians and other local faith community leaders so more and more Catholics will begin to connect climate change and a faith response.

Then, state-by-state analysis will begin and legislative remedies identified that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the quality of life for citizens of the region. Efforts to address climate change will be coordinated, best practices identified, resources developed and distributed and alternative directions highlighted for public policy, theological understanding and concrete actions inspired by faith.

As the project unfolds, members of the Catholic Press Association will be invited on a “travel seminar” to explore the many facets of climate change in the Appalachian region.