Sustainability Plan
Charleston County is creating its first Climate Action Plan through a collaborative process involving various stakeholders from the business, education, non-profit, and local government sectors.
Steps for Climate Action Plan:
CAP 101
Now that Charleston County has established baseline greenhouse gas emissions through its first Greenhouse Gas Inventory, it will be starting Sustainability Plan.
What are greenhouse gas emissions?
Greenhouse gases are dispersed in the Earth's atmosphere and trap solar radiation. The quantity of greenhouse gases determines the Earth's climate and human activities are increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases and changing the global climate. Increased greenhouse gases cause global average surface temperature and atmospheric temperature to rise.
Why track greenhouse gas emissions?
It is important to track greenhouse gas emissions so we know the County's baseline emissions. Understanding what current emissions are will allow us to set goals for future emissions reduction and monitor if we are making progress in meeting those goals.
Sustainability Plan includes creating:
(1) A Resilience & Sustainability Advisory Committee (RSAC)
Members of the RSAC include:
- Sally Brooks, County staff member
- Diamond Curry, Chamber of Commerce
- Vacant, Higher education institution
- Kyle James, BCDCOG
- Adrian Cain, Homebuilders Association
- Scott Curtis, Resilience technical expert
- Scott Runyon, Energy
- Stewart Weinberg, Sustainability technical expert
- Joe Boykin, County Council member
For more information, please visit the Resilience & Sustainability Advisory Committee.
(2) A Staff Expert Climate Advisory Team (SECAT)
The SECAT is comprised of County staff, non-profit groups, higher education, and local municipalities:
- City of Charleston
- City of North Charleston
- Town of Mount Pleasant
- Town of James Island
- MUSC
- BCDCOG
- Charleston Climate Coalition
- Charleston County Fleet
- Charleston County Facilities
- Charleston County Economic Development
- Charleston County Planning
- Charleston County Finance
(3) Emissions reduction goals
Charleston County is working with members of the RSAC and SECAT to create emissions reductions goals for 2035 and 2050.
(4) Emissions strategies within each sector to achieve the goals
Creating and prioritizing emissions strategies based on reduction potential, feasibility, funding, co-benefits, and equity.
Charleston County Municipalities
Charleston County includes sixteen distinct cities and towns within its borders. The County only has jurisdiction over unincorporated areas (shown in white on the map). However, greenhouse gas emissions are not contained by geographic boundaries so it's important we all collaborate on climate action.
Sustainability Plan Engagement
Learn about activities included in the County's draft Climate Action Plan by attending an upcoming workshop:
- No Upcoming events.
If you're interested in learning more about the workshops, or want to host a personal conversation with your community about climate action, email SustainChsCo@CharlestonCounty.org Sign up for Charleston County Sustainability's E-Newsletter.
How does climate change impact Charleston County? The graphic below outlines some of the most significant effects to Charleston's environment, economy, and resident health.
ENVIRONMENT
More frequent hurricanes & flooding
Increased rain
Rising sea levels
Threats to plants & animals from changing habitats
ECONOMY
Property Destruction
Fisherman suffer as fish & shellfish diminish
Increased utility bills
HEALTH
Heat exposure
Water contamination
Disease from mosquitoes & ticks
Mental health issues