Protect the rich and prosperous South Carolina coastal communities

Encourage upgrades to the economy with sustainable innovations and clean energy policies

Help businesses and communities consider rising seas in their development and lifetime plan

Contribute to South Carolina's pioneer effort to educate and take action on

 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration & Army Corps of Engineers predict up to a 6.5 foot rise in sea level by 2100

Without action coastal businesses, beaches and treasured places could be destroyed and future generations of Americans may have their heritage swept out to sea.

We have an obligation to preserve our vibrant coast for our children, grandchildren and their children.

The South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the American Sustainable Business Council and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, initiated a Sea Level Rise Education Project (www.scbars.org) in May, 2013.  The project consisted of working with the scientific community in establishing high tide projections in 2100 with a six foot sea level rise, identifying business areas to be impacted along the South Carolina coast, soliciting cooperation from affected municipalities and business organizations, and contacting small businesses projected to be directly or indirectly impacted by the high-tide in 2100 if climate change is not successfully addressed.

This project began a process to organize, educate and obtain the cooperation of coastal businesses and municipalities to allow tourists to personally see the ultimate physical and economic consequences of climate change and rising sea levels.  Projected high tide sea levels by the end of the century were marked by blue tape on the interior and exterior of buildings projected to be impacted.  These businesses and others posted signage directing tourists and customers to look for the tape and visit a website for more information.  Approximately 50 percent of all businesses approached agreed to participate.  The website included a thorough explanation of sea level rise and climate change as well as a letter that business leaders and the public could easily send to members of Congress and the White House calling for action to reduce carbon pollution and transition the country to a clean energy economy.

SC BARS has demonstrated that small businesses along the South Carolina coast, when contacted directly in person, are very accepting of a climate change message that included the threat of rising seas and the need to transition to a clean energy economy.  The project has received local and national media coverage.