SCETV highlights coastal flooding in new episode of “IMPACT South Carolina” and live taping of “Palmetto Perspectives”

South Carolina ETV (SCETV) announced the premiere of a new episode of IMPACT South Carolina as well as an opportunity for the public to attend a live taping of Palmetto Perspectives on Oct. 23. The public is invited to screen the IMPACT South Carolina episode titled “Flood Stage: Sea Level Rise in Charleston,” followed by a live taping of the SCETV series, Palmetto Perspectives, which will include an in-depth panel discussion on the future of South Carolina’s coastlines.

IMPACT South Carolina is an investigative series produced by SCETV, created to explore significant issues impacting South Carolinians. The newest episode, “Flood Stage: Sea Level Rise in Charleston,” examines the issue of increased flooding on the Charleston peninsula and surrounding areas. In the last 100 years, the sea level has risen 13 inches. Today, the city is experiencing increased rainfall, more powerful storms and frequent higher-than-normal tides. With many wetlands that once absorbed water filled in or paved over, flooding— even on sunny days— has begun to disrupt lives and businesses on a regular basis.

The episode highlights Charleston’s comprehensive water plan that includes both “gray” and “green” infrastructure approaches to address flooding and increase resiliency. The plan places particular emphasis on two historic Black communities— Rosemont, located on the Charleston Neck, and Ten Mile, a settlement community north of Mt. Pleasant— that are working to preserve their homes and way of life despite the impacts of rising seas and development. Featuring interviews with city and county officials, environmental organizations and residents, “Flood Stage: Sea Level Rise in Charleston” explores strategies for living with water and adapting to the challenges presented by sea level rise.

IMPACT South Carolina will premiere on ETV on Oct. 23 at 7 p.m., followed by the live episode of Palmetto Perspectives at 7:45 p.m.

Palmetto Perspectives is an SCETV community engagement-focused series that brings stakeholders together to discuss pressing issues facing South Carolina and its communities. This episode, titled “The Rising Tide: Living with Water,” will feature community leaders, environmental experts and policymakers who will examine how sea level rise and flooding are reshaping coastal communities and how communities are responding to be more resilient. From the Grand Strand to the Lowcountry, panelists will explore how to balance economic reliance on coastal tourism while protecting communities and ecosystems from extreme weather events and rising seas.

The public is invited to attend the live taping of Palmetto Perspectives on Oct. 23 as an audience member for the program. Filmed at Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park in Mt. Pleasant, attendees will screen the episode of IMPACT South Carolina and then hear the discussions during Palmetto Perspectives. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a screening of IMPACT South Carolina at 6:45 p.m. The live taping of Palmetto Perspectives will start promptly at 7:45 p.m. and conclude by 8:30 p.m. Seating is limited, and early registration to participate in the live taping is encouraged.

More information about IMPACT South Carolina and Palmetto Perspectives, including re-broadcast dates and viewing options, is available on the SCETV website. Palmetto Perspectives will also livestream simultaneously with the broadcast on SCETV’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. After the premiere, both programs will also be available for on-demand viewing on the SCETV website as well as through the SCETV app and the PBS app.

“At SCETV, we are committed to bringing together various perspectives on the challenges our state faces. With these episodes of IMPACT South Carolina and Palmetto Perspectives, we aim to inform viewers about the impacts of flooding in South Carolina’s coastal communities while also sparking meaningful conversations about potential solutions that safeguard our resilient future.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell

“This initiative reflects our dedication to fostering dialogue on issues that affect every South Carolinian. Rising seas and increased flooding have the potential to not only impact infrastructure and economies but also impact daily living. By bringing experts, local leaders and residents together in this forum, we hope to inform citizens on the proactive approaches being taken to manage the challenges of a changing coastline.” –SCETV Director of Television Cheryl Nunnley

“Charleston’s story is one of both vulnerability and resilience. We wanted to highlight not only the physical impacts of rising seas but also highlight the human stories unfolding in communities like Rosemont and Ten Mile. These residents are working tirelessly to preserve their homes and heritage, and their experiences remind us that sea level rise can affect people and our state in profound ways.” –IMPACT South Carolina “Flood Stage: Sea Level Rise in Charleston” Producer Betsy Newman

“Sea level rise and flooding touch so many aspects of life in South Carolina— from tourism and the economy to culture and community identity. Our goal is to bring stakeholders together to explore what a resilient future for our coastlines could look like. By opening the floor to candid discussion, we hope this conversation helps foster new ideas and partnerships that will strengthen our communities in the face of change.” –Palmetto Perspectives Producer Leroy Green

“I’m optimistic. Certainly you can get bogged down in the potential impacts of water, but Charleston’s natural environment has always been water. And it’s why we love it here. It is our community to solve and work for, no matter your jurisdiction, and get folks engaged to see the solutions that they want to see in the city.” –City of Charleston Director of Resilience Kaylan Koszela

FAST FACTS

• SCETV is proud to announce the premiere of a new episode of IMPACT South Carolina, as well as an opportunity for the public to attend a live taping of Palmetto Perspectives on Oct. 23.
• IMPACT South Carolina is an investigative series produced by SCETV, created to explore significant issues impacting South Carolinians. Palmetto Perspectives is an SCETV community engagement-focused series that brings stakeholders together to discuss the pressing issues facing South Carolina and its communities.
• This episode of IMPACT South Carolina examines the challenges of flooding and sea level rise in Charleston, while the Palmetto Perspectives episode explores how coastal communities across South Carolina are responding to rising seas and extreme weather.
• The public is invited to be in the audience for a live studio taping of Palmetto Perspectives at Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park in Mt. Pleasant on Oct. 23.
• Registration is encouraged to participate in the live taping. More information on IMPACT South Carolina and Palmetto Perspectives, including additional re-broadcast dates and where to watch online, can be found on the SCETV website.
• Palmetto Perspectives will livestream simultaneously with the broadcast on SCETV’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. After the premiere, both programs will also be available for on-demand viewing on the SCETV website as well as through the SCETV app and the PBS app.
  About South Carolina ETV and Public RadioSouth Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state’s public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.