GEORGETOWN, S.C. —  Two groups, including the Coastal Conservation League, say that efforts to stop global warming should be kicked into high gear within five years in Georgetown County.

If not, the area near DeBordieu, Pawleys Island and Georgetown could need extra protection from flooding within the next several decades, said David Stoney, a member of the the Kitchen Table Climate Study Group.

“It’s an important topic, as the ocean warms, due to greenhouse gasses,’’ Stoney said.

 The Kitchen Table Climate Study Group and the Coastal Conservation League want to bring the discussion of climate change to local residents, according to Stoney and Coastal Conservation League Director Nancy Cave.

The Coastal Conservation League does not promote the use of dikes to prevent flooding, but is concerned about the amount of carbon dioxide being pumped in the air — which could be causing some global warming.

Carbon dioxide, including what is emitted from coal burning power plants, is causing some changes in the atmosphere, according to environmentalists.

“We have been very concerned and have been very involved in the climate change discussion,” Cave said.

Town-hall meeting

Stoney said he would like to arrange a town-hall meeting in Georgetown to discuss climate change.

He hopes to get a program started, so greenhouse emissions can be reduced.

Meanwhile, residents can buy fuel efficient cars, seal their homes to preserve energy and take fewer car trips, just as a few ways to reduce carbon emissions.

Tree planting is also a good way to reduce green-house gasses, Stoney said.

 “That is a big way to fight global warming,” he said.

By Kelly Marshall Fuller

Kfuller@gtowntimes.com