Why Do We Stay?
/In the face of growing natural disasters, what keeps us rooted to home?
Many buildings on the island of Ocracoke are being raised up on stils to protect against future flooding (Photo by Anmargaret Warner)
“Sea-level rise is happening over a long period of time. And we’re asking people to process this information that’s going to happen within the next 50 to 100 years.”
— Dr. Michelle Dovil
In the wake of natural disasters, those affected are faced with a tough decision: do you leave and go somewhere safer, or stay put and try to rebuild your life?
How do you navigate that choice? And for those who decide to stay: what seals the deal? Why do we remain in disaster-prone areas, after losing so much?
This episode, by Anmargaret Warner, takes us to an island in North Carolina and tells the story of one man who finds himself firmly rooted to place, despite growing environmental threats.
Subscribe to Out There on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you stream podcasts.
For further listening
In honor of Earth Day, we’ve put together a playlist called “After the Storm.”
It’s a collection of episodes from other podcasts that explore different angles to the questions we’ve been asking with this story — questions of why we live where we live, in the face of natural disasters.
Want audio storytelling skills? And a mentor?
The Out There internship is a chance to work one-on-one with host Willow Belden and learn about all aspects of podcast production — from fielding pitches, to conducting interviews, to writing scripts and doing sound design.
Applications are due April 30.
Discounts from our sponsors
For 20% off your Athletic Brewing order, enter the promo code “OUTTHERE20” at checkout.
For 10% off your first month of counseling, go to betterhelp.com/outthere.
