Current environmental issues were discussed at a forum hosted Tuesday evening by Lead the Way, a student-run initiative that encourages USC students to register to vote.
For a little over an hour, panelists answered questions from Lead the Way moderators as well as the modest audience gathered in Russell House 302. All three speakers were vocal in their appreciation for South Carolina’s growing acceptance of sustainable energy and environmentally-friendly policies at the local level.
“I’m seeing recycling bins everywhere, more water bottle refilling stations, these are successes,” said Namita Koppa, assistant director of USC’s Office of Sustainability. “I’m optimistic about the city of Columbia and South Carolina.”
Bob Perry, director of environmental programs for the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, praised in-state businesses such as Duke Energy and Boeing for their dedication to eliminating waste from production. An S.C. native and USC graduate, Perry remarked that corporate culture will play a key role in conveying the importance of environmental sustainability throughout the Palmetto State.
But, Perry told The Daily Gamecock, sustainable business practices can do only so much in the face of an evolving global climate.
“Sea level rise is going to be a significant issue that coastal communities are going to have to face in the future,” Perry said. He went on to commend the city of Charleston’s preparations to meet a higher and warmer Atlantic Ocean, and said Charleston will have to “lead the way” for other coastal cities.
Lead the Way will host five more forums on important issues for voters during the months of September and October. The next forum, on civil and human rights, will be held next week at the USC School of Law.