Climate change is a topic of paramount importance and considerable controversy. There are those who deny climate change is occurring and some just aren’t sure. However, most scientists say we can decrease global warming and slow climate change by modifying certain human behaviors, such as burning fewer fossil fuels and chopping down fewer forests.
In a comprehensive months-long investigation, students from the University of Mississippi delved into the realities and uncertainties of climate change’s effects on our state. “Rising Tides, Rising Temperatures,” an eight-page special report published in the Daily Mississippian in Fall 2023, focused on the work of activists, government officials, businesses and researchers who are dedicated to making the state’s citizens aware and prepared for climate change.
In this semester’s special edition, we share the stories of Mississippians who are experiencing the direct consequences of climate change, whether they acknowledge that fact or not. We traveled to the coast to explore what many say is the state’s biggest climate threat – sea level rise and its impact on residents, tourism and the seafood industry. We went deep into the state’s timber country to better understand the balance between protecting jobs and protecting the planet, and we again focused on solutions to what may seem an insurmountable challenge.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between the University of Mississippi’s School of Journalism and New Media, The Daily Mississippian, the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, alongside the Mississippi State’s Department of Communication and The Reflector.
Through the articles, videos and podcasts provided online, we hope you gain a deeper understanding of how climate change is impacting our state and its citizens and recognize the significant contributions of these dedicated student journalists.
Reese Anderson
Caleb Bowen
Chloe Clement
Madison Cole
Cody Farris
Leo Frank
Hal Fox
Allice Ann Hollingsworth
Taylor Howard
Julieanna Jackson
Raylen Ladner
Celeste Lay
Mateos Lozano
Ruth Mayo
Lyn Moore
Kala Nance
Sedley Normand
Ashlynn Payne
Kharley Redmon
Hallie Grace Withrow
Olivia Wright