In this episode of Science Brew on Asheville FM, we sit down with Professor Ashley Case, an award-winning educator from UNCA’s Environmental Science department, to explore how sustainability, social justice, and community resilience intersect here in Asheville. From reducing waste to hands-on student projects and local action through the City’s Sustainability Advisory Committee, Professor Case shows how science can guide us toward a greener future—one rooted in both hope and community. We also discussed the cultural and ecological importance of river cane, the power of interdisciplinary education, and how recent guidance from the International Court of Justice on states’ obligations in addressing climate change offers a hopeful path forward for environmental justice worldwide.

Riverlink non-profit organization:

https://riverlink.org

International Court of Justice advisory document on the OBLIGATIONS OF STATES IN RESPECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE:

https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/187/187-20250723-adv-01-00-en.pdf