Discussion to focus on rising sea levels

Discussion to focus on rising sea levels

By David Slade
The Post and Courier
Thursday, August 28, 2008

Rising sea levels, which are expected to threaten coastal property and wildlife
increasingly during this century because of climate change, will be the focus of a public
panel discussion this evening in Charleston.

Sea levels have been rising along the South Carolina coast at the rate of about one foot
per century, but most scientists expect sea levels to rise significantly more in this century
as the oceans warm and polar ice melts from global warming.

A highlight of the presentation tonight is expected to be a short video intended to
demonstrate visually how rising sea levels could impact Charleston, Mount Pleasant and
the barrier islands.

The Southeast Coastal Climate Network will host the panel discussion at the main branch
of the Charleston Library, 68 Calhoun St., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Scheduled speakers include Orrin H. Pilkey, professor emeritus of Earth & Ocean
Sciences at The Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University; the Rev.
Michael McClain, regional coordinator of the National Council of Churches; John Clark,
director of the South Carolina Energy Office; and several city officials and members of
Charleston's Green Committee.

The video, "Rising Seas: Challenges and Opportunities for the Lowcountry," was
developed by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and produced by Open Dome
Productions using Google Earth imagery developed by Architecture 2030, a group that
advocates a moratorium on new coal-fired power plants.

Reach David Slade at 937-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com.