SOUTH CAROLINA

With rising fuel prices, the residents and the economy of South Carolina are hurting. Our reliance on oil, coal, and other non-renewables is fueling global warming, too. The threat posed to our economy, our health, and our environment posed by the current trend of global warming demands urgent and aggressive action. South Carolina could lose 22,000 jobs due to global warming. (i)

As a coastal state, South Carolina is particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures and sea levels. Warming ocean waters would devastate marine habitats and disrupt South Carolina’s fishing industry. (ii)

The heart of this problem lies at our dependence on fossil fuels. Today, South Carolina relies on polluting energy technology-coal and natural gas especially-to generate over 45% percent of its energy.(iii)

With a strong commitment to renewable energy, South Carolina can create jobs and get our economy back on track.

Currently, South Carolina has the potential to generate more than half the energy it needs from clean, renewable sources. (iv)

Last year, South Carolina commissioned a report on its greenhouse gas emissions. (v)

Although this report is an important first step, we need leadership on climate change to enhance our nation’s security and create jobs.

SOURCES:

i. http://www.bluegreenalliance.org/site/c.enKIITNpEiG/b.3417259/

ii. http://www.nextgenerationearth.org/usstates/statelist/

iii. http://getenergyactive.org/fuel/state.htm

iv. http://www.ucsusa.org/assets/documents/clean_energy/Plugging_In_Renewable_Energy.pdf

v. http://www.pewclimate.org/what_s_being_done/in_the_states/rps.cfm