Protecting Beaufort, South Carolina, Against Climate Change
Beaufort, South Carolina is a charming small coastal community sandwiched between Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina. It is known for its rich history, military bases, and stunning natural beauty, which is now facing a growing threat: #ClimateChange.
In 2020, ProPublica released a startling study regarding the effects of climate change and how it will impact the migration of citizens into safer territories. The scientific study claimed that climate change will make Beaufort County the most vulnerable county in the nation to live in by 2050 (Shaw et al, 2020). According to the analysis, intensifying storms, rising sea levels, and changing weather patterns are slowly impacting the city’s environment, economy, and way of life.
What is at risk?
Beaufort’s Vulnerable Coastline:
Because of the low-lying coastal landscape, Beaufort is particularly susceptible to sea level rise. In its recent Flood Vulnerability Assessment conducted by the City of Beaufort (2019), the consortium concluded that Beaufort is experiencing an average rate of sea level rise of about 0.13 inches per year, which may seem insignificant but has substantial long-term consequences. Flooding is becoming more frequent, especially during high tides and storm surges, impacting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Adding to Beaufort’s already precarious situation are erosion, drainage problems, rising sea levels, and increased temperatures.
The Changing Climate’s Impact:
- Erosion: Coastal erosion is accelerating, threatening beaches, dunes, waterfront property and Parris Island, South Carolina. The Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot on Parris Island is critically endangered of becoming a victim coastal erosion and climate change (Liu, 2022). It is estimated that over 30% of the base could be at risk of being underwater by the year of 2050 due to erosion.
- Storm Surge: Increasingly frequent and intense hurricanes and storms pose a greater threat of storm surge, causing consequential damage and displacement. The lack of proper drainage within the county noted in the Flood Vulnerability Assessment also add to the quagmire of climate issues.
- Saltwater Intrusion: Rising sea levels are pushing saltwater inland, contaminating freshwater sources and impacting local agriculture. Over 150+ farms are located in the Low Country dependent on freshwater for crop farming (USDA, 2017).
- Increased Temperatures: Rising temperatures are leading to more frequent and severe heat waves, impacting human health and agricultural productivity. Beaufort is at an increased risk of catastrophic wet bulb temperatures which limit the ability to be outdoors. The result of the body’s inability to cool itself after extended exposure to heat and high humidity is known as a “wet bulb,” which poses health risks to people (Shaw et al, 2020).
What Can We All Do?
Although climate change is a complicated problem, there are steps we can take to lessen its effects and safeguard Beaufort’s future:
Individual Actions:
- Advocate for Change: Engage in local government and advocate for policies that promote climate action such as the Conservation Voters of South Carolina.
- Reduce Carbon Footprint: Conserve energy, use public transportation, and adopt sustainable practices.
- Support Climate-Friendly Businesses: Choose businesses that prioritize environmental sustainability such as Good Aura and Herban Market & Cafe.
- Get Involved in Coastal Restoration: Support organizations working to restore and preserve coastal ecosystems.
- The Friends of Hunting Island State Park is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and enhancing the cultural and environmental landscape of Hunting Island and its surrounding areas by providing education and activities for community involvement.
Community Actions:
- Invest in Coastal Resilience: Implement adaptation strategies like flood control measures and seawalls as recommended in the Flood Vulnerability Assessment.
- Promote Sustainable Development: Plan for future development that minimizes environmental impact.
- Educate the Public: Raise awareness about climate change and its effects on our community. The County of Beaufort has a highly visible Recycle Right campaign aimed at increasing public awareness and educating the youth about the consequences of climate change.
Government Actions:
- Adopt Strong Climate Policies: Help promote and implement policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and sustainability practices. Hold legislatures responsible for inaction on climate policies.
- Invest in Climate Research and Adaptation: Support scientific research and develop strategies to adapt to the changing climate.
Climate change is not a distant future threat; it is already impacting Beaufort’s present. By taking individual, community, and government action, we can work together to protect this beautiful city and ensure its future for generations to come. Without a proper climate action plan, Beaufort citizens are at the highest risk of extreme temperatures, intensified weather events, and economic disasters.
We need to work together to create a resilient and sustainable Beaufort for the future. The time to act is now.
Get involved or learn more at Take Action SC!
Works Cited
Knapp, L., Dow, K., Harris, M. Braud, A., Levine, N., & Watson, S. (2019). Flood Vulnerability Assessment: City of Beaufort, SC. SC SeaGrant, College of Charleston, & CISA. http://www.cityofbeaufort.org/DocumentCenter/View/5219/Beaufort-Flood-Vulnerability-Final-Report?bidId=#:~:text=Since%20the%20station%20was%20established,2019)%20(Figure%202).
Liu, M. (may 21, 2022). Parris Island wages battles, not war, against climate change. AP. https://apnews.com/article/floods-climate-science-south-carolina-416b2e80dde8c0311ee8db1d5d6d4088#
Shaw, A., Lustgarten, A., Goldsmith, J. (September 15, 2020). New Climate Maps Show a Transformed United States. ProPublica. https://projects.propublica.org/climate-migration/
USDA (2017). County Profile. USDA Census of Agriculture. https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2017/Online_Resources/County_Profiles/South_Carolina/cp45013.pdf
