In Our Backyard Podcast
This is Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League's (BREDL) Podcast where we discuss environmental issues that are right in our backyards. Topics include coal plants, fracking, pipelines, and much more. This podcast takes a deep dive into these topics and talks with people who are on the ground fighting for the health and safety of their communities as well as protection the planet.
- Update frequency
- every 13 days
- Average duration
- 23 minutes
- Episodes
- 174
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
17. Climate Realities in the Arctic
Today we’re talking with Romain Chuffart is with the Arctic Institute.
We’re turning our attention to one of the most fragile and rapidly changing regions on Earth — the Arctic.
This vast, icy expanse…
16. The First Legal Challenge Against a U.S. Small Nuclear Reactor
Today, we’re talking with Diane Wilson, the Executive Director of the San Antonio Bay Waterkeeper, about a nuclear proposal that’s raising red flags across the Gulf Coast of Texas.
A company called Do…
15. Frontline Voices: Environmental Justice in North Carolina
Today we’re diving deep into the fight for environmental justice right here in North Carolina.
Our guest is Dr. Rania Masri, Co-Director of the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network, or NCEJN. …
14. Safeguarding the Chattahoochee: Inside the Work of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
Today, we’re exploring one of the most vital waterways in the Southeast, the Chattahoochee River.
Our guest is Henry Jacobs, Deputy Director at Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, an organization that has been…
13. Solar at a Cost: Community Voices from Northampton County PT. 2
Today’s episode we're back to Northampton County, North Carolina, where a quiet but critical debate is heating up over the future of farmland and solar energy.
On April 7, 2025, community advocates Sy…
12. Solar at a Cost: Community Voices from Northampton County PT. 1
Today’s episode takes us to Northampton County, North Carolina, where a quiet but critical debate is heating up over the future of farmland and solar energy.
On April 7, 2025, community advocates Sylv…
11. From Source to Solution: Safeguarding Alabama’s Waters
Today, I’m talking with Cindy Lowry, who is the Executive Director of the Alabama Rivers Alliance.
For over 25 years, the Alabama Rivers Alliance has been a powerful voice for the protection and resto…
10. Mapping Change in Metro Atlanta: Inside Root Local’s Eco-Mission
Today we’re diving into the work of Root Local, an organization on a mission to cultivate sustainability at the neighborhood level across Metro Atlanta.
Joining us are two voices at the heart of this …
9. Science for Good: Tackling Lead, PFAS, and Clean Water Access
Today, we’re diving into the world of environmental health and clean water with a leader whose work is improving lives—especially the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable.
Our guest is Jennifer H…
8. West Virginia Communities Against the Mountain Valley Pipeline
Mairah Clay who is the Southern WV Coordinator and Autumn Crowe who is the Deputy Director of WV Rivers.
Many West Virginians are taking a stand against the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Communities acros…
7. A Historic Lawsuit: The Town of Carrboro, NC Sues Duke Energy
Sara Heilman is Energy Policy Coordinator with NC Warn. We talk about the work that NC Warn does throughout North Carolina and how they are primarily a watchdog organization for what Duke Energy is d…
6. How The Chapel Hill Community is Fighting Environmental Destruction in the State of NC
Lib Hutchby is a member of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom in the Triangle Branch, Raging Grannies, Frack Free UNC, and NC Environmental Network.
In Chapel Hill, NC, local residents…
5. Changing Times: Navigating International and Environmental Security
Dr. Elizabeth Hessami, who is a licensed attorney. She has served as a visiting attorney for the Environmental Law Institute for nearly a decade, researching post-conflict natural resources managemen…
4. How Sweden has Recycling Figured Out
Sweden has figured out recycling. This shows, as they are the highest recyclers in the world.
To talk about recycling we also have to mention all streams of waste - not just the products that are eli…
3. Natural Gas Build Outs and Data Centers in North Carolina
Steph Gans is an EJ Organizer for Clean Water for North Carolina. Clean Water for North Carolina’s mission is to promote clean, safe water and environments, and empower communities for all North Caro…
2. Two Factors for What Made Sweden the Most Sustainable Country in the World
Sweden is the most sustainable country in the world. For decades they have been paving the way for environmental action. In fact, they were the first country to pass an Environmental Protection Act b…
1. Gaslighting: Opposition to New Natural Gas Projects in NC
Lisa Sorg is the North Carolina reporter for InsideClimate News. A journalist for 30 years, Sorg covers energy, climate, environment and agriculture, as well as the social justice impacts of pollutio…
70. United Nations Work on Climate Change
Younju Lee is from South Korea and based in Paris, France. She is a Masters student for Environmental Policy as well as an intern with the Stakeholder Engagement team at United Nations Climate Change…
69. Environmental and Natural Resource Security
Dr. Elizabeth Hessami is a professor at Johns Hopkins University and a licensed attorney. She has served as a visiting attorney for the Environmental Law Institute for nearly a decade, researching po…
68. The Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
Court Lewis is the BREDL chapter President of Unicoi Clear in Unicoi County, TN and currently living in Upstate, South Carolina.
In late September of this year, category 4 Hurricane Helene caused wi…