Living in Appalachia taught me about mutual aid, the free or bartered exchange of goods or services between people: from neighbors leaving extra produce on porches to organizing a childcare co-op when school closed for snow days or floods. These are lessons that helped my family weather the first part of the COVID pandemic in a remote and rural place. And these are lessons all of us would do well to consider as the climate crisis rages and governments do little to act.

This week at the Climate Justice desk, we are considering community. How do we show up for each other, and who do we need to show up for us?

First, despite the strength of local community groups, when it comes to recovery from climate disaster, we still require state and federal governments to help. Next, rural hospitals are closing at an alarming rate. What are the reasons for the often abrupt closures, and what happens to the communities left behind and the patients forced to travel great distances for care? Then, spring means the return of a flowering tree so invasive and destructive to the environment, it’s illegal in many states. How can participating in local community help? Finally, the climate crisis continues to necessitate mutual aid for immediate and nimble disaster response.

Dr. Alison Stine
Climate Justice Senior Editor