Who Says People Cannot Make a Difference?
Last night during the opening night of The Water Festival I had an engaging conversation with a young woman who suggested to me that there was no point in following the activities of her local, state and federal governments because no one would hear or listen to her. I tried to persuade her that she is mistaken and that some elected officials do listen and learn from our engaged constituents.
Unfortunately, I did not get her name or email address, but hope this messages somehow gets to her and others who don't believe they are heard . . . when they take the time and interest to engage.
RISING SEA LEVELS
What started as less than a handful of concerned citizens convened, by the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce (with a little help from me) in a small room in City Hall is getting attention.
When I first mentioned Rising Sea Levels about a year ago, some said I was being politically incorrect for talking about Climate Change. I responded that the water level at my dock has risen eight to twelve inches at extreme high tides and that it really does not matter why. Is it that the once deeper creek is getting shallow because there are so many docks in a small area that the sand at the bottom does not leave the creek and accordingly the water is rising? Is it climate change? Does it really matter?
What does matter is that the City and greater community take notice and plan for the future. When we talk about infrastructure needs we have traditionally talked about safer roads and evacuation. Should we add to the infrastructure list measures that will help contain changes that are predicted by experts from around the world and confirmed by the small group we have assembled in Beaufort and Port Royal? I think so and hope you will agree or at least come to one of our meetings or the several public presentations starting in the Fall.
By the way, the Beaufort Port Royal Rising Seas Task Force has received substantial informational and technical support from accomplished scientists from USC in Columbia, USCB, the Sea Grant Consortium and the National Ocean and Atmosphere Administration among others.
Special thanks for Frank Knapp from the SC Small Business Chamber of Commerce, renowned naturalist Chris Marsh and resident Jack Neitert, whose yard in Mossy Oaks is flooded on high tides, for co-chairing the Task Force.
Editorial: Rise of global sea level must start hitting home
BY ISLAND PACKET
http://www.islandpacket.com/2015/07/17/3841379/editorial-rise-of-global-sea-level.html
S.C. senators urging presidential candidates to discuss climate change
By SAMMY FRETWELL, The State Newspaper
A dozen state senators are asking presidential hopefuls to discuss climate change and clean energy when the candidates visit South Carolina.
In an open letter to candidates, six Democrats and six Republicans urged discussions of a comprehensive energy policy. The letter, delivered to campaigns this week, also expressed concern about how rising sea levels and a changing climate could affect the coast.
The letter said nuisance flooding in Charleston had increased 400 percent since 1960 and that Parris Island Marine base near Beaufort could be flooded if sea level rises 3 feet.
Those signing the letter included Republicans John Courson, Greg Gregory, Wes Hayes, Katrina Shealy, Larry Martin and Thomas Alexander, as well as Democrats Brad Hutto, Marlon Kimpson, Thomas McElveen, Vincent Sheheen, Joel Lourie and Kevin Johnson.
"In particular, we encourage you to share your plan to support a comprehensive energy policy that makes our nation more secure and creates a healthy energy future,'' the letter said. "Such a plan would also foster economic growth and job creation.''
Their letter comes amid growing debate about offshore drilling along the Carolina coast. Many oppose the search for oil and gas, saying it could lead to spills that would hurt the tourism economy. Proponents say it only makes sense to see if oil or gas can be found.
Environmental groups that support many of the senators signing the letter favor the move toward wind and solar, the latter of which is growing in South Carolina because of new legislation last year.
The Conservation Voters of South Carolina, a political group representing environmentalists, praised the decision as a way to put the spotlight on the issue. South Carolina will be among the first states to vote in presidential primaries next year.
"South Carolina's first in the South primary gives us a unique opportunity to ask candidates to share their proposals to promote prosperity by investing in clean energy jobs," said Conservation Voters of South Carolina Executive Director Ann Timberlake. "For our state in particular, climate change not only endangers the tourist and outdoor economies of coastal towns, but also puts our national security at risk."
