Western North Carolina boasts some of the oldest and most beautiful mountains and rivers on earth, as well as an almost matchless biodiversity. Its people, whether born or drawn here, make the most of nature’s gifts and of each other, creating and recreating enviable ways of life—so enviable, in fact, that their very desirability has become a threat.
Year after year, the population increases steadily, largely due to the arrival of newcomers. The ever-expanding I-85 Corridor, stretching from Raleigh-Durham to Atlanta, encroaches upon us mile by mile. Today’s difficult economy may have slowed growth slightly, but there’s no end in sight.
Where will all the people go? Where will their water come from? How will we feed them? How can we provide all the energy needed without destroying our health, obscuring our exquisite vistas, and further endangering our fragile environment?
We’re approaching a tipping point, but it’s not too late. We still have a chance to address our challenges before they overwhelm us. That’s where the Blue Ridge Sustainability Institute comes in.
Drawing on the region’s extraordinary human and natural resources, applying hard science and advanced economic thinking, encouraging fresh ideas in government and industry, and providing practical tools for policymakers, educators, community activists, and entrepreneurs, the Blue Ridge Sustainability Institute will help Western North Carolina overcome the problems of the future today.
