Depleting freshwater supplies and unpredictable weather patterns that could bring rain to an area are causing much concern over future water supplies. Places like California have seen, in recent years, severe drought to the point where once gushing rivers are now trickling streams. Water rationing has become a normal way of life for many Californians…
Category: Environmental Impact
An example of a clear cut site in Roanoke, North Carolina.
If trees are replanted after harvesting, woody biomass is proven to give lower carbon emissions than coal and it makes sense to phase in a few more plants. Wood currently is not as efficient as coal and co-firing is still being explored with 15% co-firing showing promise. Waste wood biomass groups talk about branches, bent trees…
Stop Offshore Drilling in the Atlantic (SODA) is a local grassroots group that formed in opposition to offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. The group worked tirelessly to inform the community, recruit members, gather signatures, and organize meetings with government officials. The group was proactive in addressing the complex, multiphase process of opening up leasing to…
South Carolina is known for its beaches and nice weather but recently has been getting attention for the abundance of forested land. The state has so much wood that the timber industry is comparable in profit to the booming tourist industry. Timber brings in 18.6 billion dollars with tourism bringing in slight more at $19.1…
Recent years, a trend has emerged in American citizens moving to coastal regions. In 2010, 39 percent of Americans lived in a coastal county. An additional 10 million Americans are expected to live on the coast by the year 2020. In the next several decades, the majority of the American population is predicted to be living…
Nuclear energy currently provides 51% of the total energy used in South Carolina. The majority is produced and used by Duke Energy, as nuclear currently makes up 56.8% of Duke’s total energy production. SCE&G aims to have 30% of the total energy generated come from nuclear by the year 2020 (current energy percentages of SCE&G…
Along the southeastern United States Atlantic coast, tidal salt marshes are important habitats. Salt marshes are regarded for their role as a buffer between the mainland and the ocean, as well their high levels of biodiversity. A salt marsh reduces the impact of flooding during hurricanes and act as a natural filtration system for pollutants….
In the beginning of October 2015, Hurricane Joaquin, a strong hurricane that didn’t make landfall in South Carolina, passed offshore. It brought heavy rain to the eastern and mid part of the state with Georgetown, SC receiving around 22 inches of rain. Even higher levels of rain fell in the Charleston area. The effects of…
“Hardening refers to physically changing the infrastructure to make it less susceptible to damage from extreme wind, flooding, or flying debris. Hardening improves the durability and stability of energy infrastructure, making it better able to withstand the impacts of hurricanes and weather events without sustaining major damage.” “Resiliency refers to the ability of an energy facility…