About
Climate change is one of the most important issues facing our nation and the world. But a changing climate also has profound implications for South Carolina. In fact, South Carolinians are already beginning to feel the effects of a changing climate with spiking insurance rates along the coast and declining opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Unfortunately, our state and nation are precariously dependent on dirty fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, that are the primary sources of global warming pollution. The worst part is that we must import these resources to our state, at increasing cost to South Carolina’s residents and businesses.
The good news is that we can all benefit from addressing climate change, moving away from fossil fuels, and saving energy. Investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy save money and reduce our dependence on dirty sources of energy. We can all do our part, and every little bit helps, but we can’t do it alone.
The South Carolina Guide to Climate Change is meant to be an introduction to how a changing climate might affect our state and a resource for what we can all do to reduce our global warming pollution. This opportunity was made possible by a Compton Mentor Fellowship, which I received upon graduating from Furman University in 2007. I have spent the past year researching, speaking with folks from across South Carolina, and designing this guide in collaboration with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and Upstate Forever.
I am encouraged by the efforts I have seen and been a part of throughout South Carolina. We are ready to confront this challenge, but it will require commitment and leadership.
Let’s get to work.
Colin Hagan
Compton Mentor Fellow, 2007-2008