Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025
Good morning! We start today with a look at the military’s abrupt retreat from addressing climate change. We then turn to a profile of a Coastal Georgia beekeeper who is spreading her care of pollinators. Finally, we have a photo essay about Georgia’s first summer harvest of oysters.
Questions, tips or concerns? Send me a note at mary.landers@thecurrentga.org
ANALYSIS: ENVIRONMENT
Pentagon backs off climate fight
For decades, the Pentagon viewed climate change as a national security threat — not for environmental reasons, but because it undermined operations and readiness, Ames Alexander of Floodlight reports.
Coastal Georgia has seen the results of this concern, with large solar farms installed at Fort Stewart and the Kings Bay Submarine Base.
But now the Trump administration is retreating from that position. Critics are worried.
“I think it puts our troops at risk,” said Erin Sikorsky, director of the Center for Climate and Security. “… We’re going to be less prepared if our troops are deployed somewhere where it’s incredibly hot and their equipment doesn’t work right, or if they themselves can’t physically operate … That’s malpractice, I think.”
FEATURE: ENVIRONMENT
Busy as a beekeeper
Sade Shofidiya, a Chicago native and former foster child, is an entrepreneur and researcher who was the key player in pushing Savannah to become a member of Bee City USA, as The Current GA‘s Mary Landers reports. The program encourages municipalities to support pollinator gardens, reduce pesticide use and educate citizens. But Shofidiya had none of that in mind when she fell into beekeeping as a way to address symptoms of a chronic illness. Since then, what could have been a weekend hobby has led to a business, a charity effort, continued advocacy for pollinators, and most recently, a two-year fellowship with the Smithsonian Institution.
NEWS: BUSINESS
From hatchery to half shell
Oyster harvesting in Georgia has long been limited to cooler months to avoid the risk of bacteria that’s most active from May through September. But new regulations passed by the Georgia Board of Natural Resources’ Coastal Resources Division now permit closed-season harvesting if strict conditions are met. The Current GA‘s Justin Taylor followed the path that oysters took over the course of this first summer of commercial harvest.
His photo essay shows how researchers at UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s Shellfish Research Lab induce oysters to reproduce in a lab and how they nurture the baby oysters with a special mix of algae. From there the Tybee Island Oyster Company takes over, growing the oysters in floating baskets they rotate regularly to produce the single oysters restaurateurs love to serve.
Also noted
Early voting began Tuesday. Along with municipal elections that vary by location, every Georgia ballot includes the races for two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission, the body that sets Georgia Power electricity rates.
Hercules and Pinova are hosting a public meeting from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Brunswick-Glynn County Library, 208 Gloucester St., Brunswick to present and discuss progress on cleanup activities at the 321-acre former Hercules/Pinova site in Brunswick. For more information see the Glynn Environmental Coalition.
A public meeting about the proposed Sheffield Island development will be held from 5 – 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16, at the Camden Community Recreation Center, 1050 Wildcat Dr. Project representatives will provide an update. They will also give the community a chance to speak on their concerns and answer project-related questions. Contact Richard at 770-852-0921 or email him at richard@stbourke.com for any questions.
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Pentagon retreats from climate fight even as heat and storms slam troops
The US military is facing increasing challenges from climate change, with extreme weather events causing damage to bases and increasing heat-related illnesses among troops, while the Trump administration is dismantling the Pentagon’s climate research and adaptation plans.
Honeybees helped this coastal advocate; she’s returning the favor
Sade Shofidiya, a Chicago native and former foster child, is an entrepreneur and researcher who was instrumental in Savannah becoming a member of Bee City USA.
From oyster brood to table, a photo essay
Georgia has completed its first summer oyster harvest season, with new regulations allowing for closed-season harvesting under strict conditions. Follow how oysters are grown through photos.
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