Climate Café Asheville

11/04/2026

Save money! Get your broken things repaired and keep using them instead of throwing them away.

WNC Repair Cafe will be back at Asheville Tool Library on Thursday 11/5 from 5pm - 8pm!

We’re offering all kinds of free repairs. From sewing to small engines, small appliances to garden tools and more; If you can bring it to us, we’ll try to fix it for free.

If you have any questions about what you can bring or are interested in volunteering email us at [email protected].

11/04/2026

The earlier we cut carbon emissions the better! The mid-2030s is a long way, and we can cut emissions NOW!

"The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now." That is the mindset we need when it comes to carbon emissions, transitioning away from fossil fuels, and bringing more renewable energy systems online. Now is better than ten years from now.

A new study from Gov. Josh Stein’s office estimates energy bills could rise by 70% over the next 50 years, driven largely by data centers.

10/29/2026

This is a fascinating and insightful look at the spread of information in the digital age. More specifically, it is about mis- and disinformation during and after extreme weather events like the Maui Fires of 2023 and Hurricane Helene in 2024.

This article includes a great case-study example of how our ability to access and share information nearly instantaneous fuels rumors and conspiracy theories, including ones that circulate in WNC after the flooding and landslides we experienced.

There are a couple of challenges with dis- and misinformation: once it has been released into the infosphere, it can't be recalled without leaving an imprint; once people accept a conspiracy theory as reality, it is next to impossible to dissuade them of that belief; and finally, many of the sources of information that we were able to rely on as sound, accurate, and reliable, such as government agencies, are often not reliable, accurate, sound, or fully staffed.

Check out this article from Grist for more information. Think about ways you can avoid falling into the grip of disinformation, misinformation, and conspiracy theories.

Rumors and conspiracies are spreading too fast for emergency managers to keep up. This information chaos is slowing disaster relief and putting lives at risk.

10/28/2026

How are you doing two years after Hurricane Helene ripped through Western Carolina? Many folks are still waiting on $$ from Washington. This article will give you something to think about while you are waiting in line to VOTE!

Two years after the deadly storm, voters are frustrated with a slow recovery — and that could carry a political price.

10/28/2026

Yes! North Carolina needs to be proactive about data centers and enact a moratorium for a couple of years. There are many issues that need to be considered BEFORE more of hyperscale data centers are built. Energy consumption and grid stability are two important issues that will impact everyone who lives here, and many of us can't afford to pay more for electricity, and the planet can't afford the carbon emissions from generating all that electricity.

Data Centers are probably inevitable, but WE can shape their future and require them to be more sustainable and better neighbors.

10/28/2026

A Volunteer Day with RiverLink is a great way to get outside, exercise, help your community, and meet like-minded folks.

Join us for some of our last volunteer days of the season!

These cool mornings are perfect for working together to tackle some final projects before winter. We'll be working at Karen Cragnolin Park and along the stream at Southside. Check out our website to sign up.

https://riverlink.org/volunteer/

10/27/2026

Climate Café AVL at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, A-B Tech will meet on Wednesday, October 28th at 12:30pm in Bridge & Tunnel Café. This month's topic is Data Centers.



(Image of a data center in NC)

10/26/2026

To live sustainability on this planet, humans have to look for opportunities to live in better balance with the natural systems upon which we depend. Creativity, innovation, and sometimes just keen observation leads to positive outcomes that nudge us in a positive direction.

As El Nino ramps up to send lots of rain to California, Californians have been preparing for it and are banking on it to help carry the state through the dryer and longer drought periods. Their strategy of capturing rainwater to help recharge aquifers and restore wetlands may not hold back climate change, but they will help California better adapt to the changing climate we are already experiencing, and there may be other positive outcomes for it as well.

The strategies California has implemented can be used in many other places and adapted for the local needs. It is worth watching them through this rainy season into the spring and summer. After that, there are many areas in the USA that are having similar challenges with heavier rains in between longer dry and hotter dry periods that would be wise to put some of these water saving strategies into place.

Historically, El Niño has walloped the Golden State with deluges. Here's how it will capture and store that bounty for the dry years ahead.

10/21/2026

Energy Savers Network is a great organization dedicated to increasing energy efficiency, lowering utility bills, and reducing carbon emissions across Buncombe County for lower income residents. They even help renters! Check them out online. Apply for their services. Volunteer to lend a hand in this important endeavor.

10/09/2026

Helene was an experience that most of us will carry with us far into the future. The best thing we can do with those experiences is to learn from them and put those lessons to use building a better, stronger, more resilient community. Check out this article about some of the things already in the works across Western North Carolina.

How Western North Carolina communities are turning what they learned into solar microgrids, practical skills, and accessible spaces designed to help them weather the next disaster.