The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) has launched the latest season of its acclaimed podcast, ‘Broken Ground,’ which explores the pressing environmental challenges facing the rural South. This season, titled ‘The Rural South,’ dives into five distinct stories that showcase the impact of pollution and climate change on small towns and the natural places that surround them.
The podcast highlights the struggles faced by communities in the rural South, often left vulnerable to the encroachment of polluting industries due to limited economic opportunities and a desire for local growth. Host Leanna First-Arai emphasizes the environmental inequities that persist in these areas, where polluting industries disproportionately target low-wealth communities while medical services dwindle. The consequences of this pattern are palpable, from strip mines and wood pellet mills to contaminated rivers and lakes, leaving residents burdened with the costs of industrial pollution.
Despite these challenges, ‘Broken Ground’ highlights the remarkable resilience and activism of these communities. The podcast follows individuals and groups who are actively fighting for clean air, clean water, and protection from climate disasters. It showcases the power of collective action as neighbors unite to protect their communities and build a sustainable future.
‘Broken Ground’ has earned recognition for its impactful storytelling, winning an Anthem Award in the Sustainability, Environment and Climate Change Podcast category and being nominated for a Webby Award for Best Series. The New York Times even dubbed it an ‘environmental ‘This American Life’ for the South.’ The podcast serves as a platform for environmental stories and voices that often go unheard, offering a powerful perspective on the intersection of environmental destruction and social inequities.
This season, ‘Broken Ground’ sheds light on the fight for environmental justice in the rural South, showcasing the resilience and determination of communities striving for a better future. The stories shared offer valuable insights into the challenges facing our environment and inspire hope for a more sustainable future.
The latest season of ‘Broken Ground’ is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast platforms. Listeners can explore the podcast’s past seasons, which delve into various environmental issues in the South, including sea level rise, environmental justice movements, and the impact of climate change on communities.
