Dangers of Climate Change
According to the EPA, South Carolina has warmed 0.5-1 degree Fahrenheit in just the last century. This doesn’t seem like much, but the residents of South Carolina have noticed the worsening of their infamous summer heat. In just 70 years, the EPA believes that South Carolina will average 30-60 days of over ninety-five degree weather annually, in comparison to just 15 days of intense heat last year.
South Carolina has 2,876 miles of beautiful coastline. According to the Coastal Conservation League, there is much at stake in South Carolina, which relies heavily on revenue from coastal tourism and fishing. The state is at risk for droughts, dieback of forests, invasive species, fish and shellfish reductions. The rising sea level threatens the longevity of wetlands that are home to several species of shellfish, birds and other animals. Since 1958, rainfall has increased 27% in the Southeast United States. This compounded with rising sea levels poses an ominous future in South Carolina coastal areas.
The state lacks a comprehensive plan but areas that have received the brunt of climate change have acted independently. In 2015, Charleston adopted the Sea Level Rise Strategy. The three pillars of the plan are reinvest, respond, and ready. The city’ goal is to reduce the impact of sea level rise and to protect the community. Some Charleston residents wish state leaders were doing more.
South Carolina's Senate Candidates on Climate
Incumbent Lindsey Graham has been quick to judge opponents for their attempts to reduce climate change’s deadly effects. Graham was once considered to be on science’s side when it came to the battle against climate issues. However, in recent years his inability to speak up against Trump on this matter has proven he does not have South Carolina’s coastal towns in mind. Graham has voiced his opinion that humans are in fact a main cause of global warming, but he has not been very successful when it comes to passing legislation and has actually voted against climate change initiatives multiple times. Recently Graham and Trump stood side by side as Trump announced a moratorium on drilling off the coast of South Carolina and North Carolina. James Bruggers of The State believes Graham’s record indicates that this may have been a stunt in the election year, especially because the measure is only temporary. In 2012, Graham supported the continuation of oil drilling off the coast of South Carolina. Although Graham also joined the Senate Climate Solutions Caucus, the group could not assist in the passing of legislation. Despite his apparent efforts and publicity stunts, South Carolina still does not have a plan against climate change.
Jaime Harrison has committed to taking action by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, clean waterways, and to improve infrastructure. His website states that climate change can potentially cost the southeast economy $47 billion. Harrison opposes the Green New Deal because he believes it is not feasible at this time. He is strictly against all offshore drilling. Harrison argues that because 25% of South Carolina’s population live in coastal areas, combating climate change is of utmost importance. He believes that by supporting clean technological advances, South Carolina can be a pioneer on a global stage in the fight against climate change.
It’s Now or Never
Harrison’s message is simple: the status quo has not helped South Carolina, and it’s time for change. Flooding plagues Charleston’s streets. Various parts of the area suffer from beach erosion, which threatens the value of countless homes. This is the first September in several years that a hurricane has not rumbled through Charleston and left a trail of debris. South Carolinians know that tourism is a major pillar of the state’s economy. Coastal cities like Charleston cannot afford to fight climate change alone. There must be a state plan to fully acknowledge this crisis. Climate change arrived long ago. When will South Carolina’s politicians act?
Support Jaime Harrison
For information on how to vote in South Carolina, see here. To learn more about how the candidates differ on education policy, see here. To learn more about how Trump's trade war with China has hurt South Carolina and Lindsey Graham's complicity, see here.