As the spring season comes to its peak, our attention to nature and all that involves it intensifies. Although we celebrated Earth Day last week, we are reminded that environmentalism also becomes a topic of increasing public focus. How is environmentalism advocated in the public eye? Two events that occurred in Eastern North Carolina can help paint this picture.

In 2017, PFAs or “forever chemicals” were found in high amounts in the Cape Fear River in Eastern North Carolina. The discovery brought outrage to many of the locals and environmental activists as concerns rose over drinking water quality and hazardous effects on wildlife. Investigations found a major chemical company in the area to be at fault. The following year, Hurricane Florence hit the area flooding many areas and contributing to more ecological turmoil. At least 50 hog lagoons where hog farm waste is disposed overflowed during the storm and mixed with flood waters spreading high amounts of bacteria to surrounding communities. This led to the contamination of waterways which affected both local ecosystems and drinking water as well. 

From an environmentalist’s perspective, both these events are important in understanding where ecological detriments originate and how to react to them. However, the public often remains in the unknown about what decisions are made concerning the land that they live on. What control do citizens have in addressing ecological concerns and taking action? The civic power of locals becomes another perspective to consider amongst all stakeholders impacted or involved with disasters like these. These two stories from the Carolinas illustrate how civic engagement leads to calls to action and necessary changes that benefit those who are affected.

Understanding civic engagement in the context of environmental protections is crucial to observing how it leads to major policy changes. From the broader view, civic participation starts with a vote. This includes more than just the highest levels of government, but also local bodies which govern towns, counties, and districts. Civic engagement is not only limited to voting. Rather, it is often the first thing to consider as officials who have the best interest when it comes to addressing environmental concerns in an area can be supported. Engagement can also take the form of advocacy and petitioning to rally public support for an issue which leads to some sort of action being taken. In the case of the Cape Fear River and impacts after Hurricane Florence, organizations take the reins to aid in environmental justice. 

Cape Fear River Watch is one such organization who played key roles in the reaction to both the presence of forever chemicals and bacterial contamination from hog lagoons. After the discovery of forever chemicals in the river, the source was traced back to Chemours, a state chemical production company, at its Fayetteville Works facility. Cape Fear River Watch sued both the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ) and Chemours the next year in an effort to cease the discharge of chemicals into the Cape Fear River. The voices of community members and constituents in New Hanover County led to an eventual collective action to combat further ecological and public health risks. The organization prioritizes environmental justice and works with other local organizations such as the New Hanover County chapter of the NAACP and the Women’s Impact Network of New Hanover County. 

They have even piloted a program in partnership with these organizations dedicated to inspiring civic engagement amongst their community by educating and training community leaders. In responding to Hurricane Florence impacts, they prompted policy discussions on hog farm regulations and waste systems to prevent further disaster. While the journey is difficult, citizens can also individually call for action by contacting their officials directly. In response to health concerns due to the hog industry’s presence in Eastern North Carolina, a resident sent a letter to the NC governor Josh Stein. The governor responded by prompting the NC DEQ to perform an investigation in the area. These efforts are an example of how civic engagement can spark change in environmental policy. Citizens have the power to make progress in ways other than their vote. Engagement through organizations or contacting officials can be very effective as well. In the same way citizens are called to be stewards of the environment they reside in, citizens can also use their voices to protect lands as well. If you want to get involved and have some concerns about an issue pertaining to natural lands, research environmental justice organizations in your area to get started. In North Carolina, visit organizations like the NC Environmental Justice Network (NCEJN) or Clean AIRE NC for more information for your particular county or area.