Charleston County Council approves sustainability plan to combat climate change

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) — Charleston County Council voted Thursday night to approve a final Climate Action Plan to help the county combat greenhouse gas emissions.

Charleston’s geographical location makes it feel the effects of climate change quicker than many other parts of the world.

“It’s the survival of the city. It really is. If we do not do something and allow the greenhouse gases to continue to accumulate, we’re not going to have a city. It’s going to be underwater,” Stewart Weinberg, the chair of the resilience & sustainability advisory committee.

The plan says climate change affects Charleston’s environment, economy, and health, and works to combat flooding and property destruction, protect animals and wildlife, and prevent rising damage costs.

They will also work to monitor and limit greenhouse gas emissions. One of the largest parts of the plan is getting the community on board.

“I think really the climate plan is an economic plan, and we really emphasize that there so many opportunities right now and it is really about mobilizing the community not just the county there are so many other players, and I think that the vision of the climate action plan,” said Yuill Herbert, with the Principal of Sustainability Solutions Group.

The plan will focus on all 16 districts within its borders but work to include unincorporated areas as well. Part of the plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will be to incentivize citizens.

“Right now one of the most important things is to immobilize the population and to take advantage of opportunities from the federal government. There are so many incentives and grants and rebates that are available that can support solarized homes, weatherization of homes electric vehicles. Accelerating that as quickly as possible is really key to reducing emissions,” said Herbert.

The council voted to pass the plan with only one dissenter. Councilmember Kylon Middleton met with the sustainability groups several times before the final plan was presented.

“We have the opportunity that I think when we have these opportunities to educate ourselves and give input in the process, we should take full advantage of that,” said Middleton who represents District 6.

The next step in the plan will be to incentivize the community to go green.