South Carolina’s population boom looms: Norfolk Southern helps state prep

A fund to conserve South Carolina’s rich biodiversity was relaunched during an event at Norfolk Southern’s Brosnan Forest. Sustain SC’s Land and Water Action Platform will connect corporate investment with tangible conservation, the nonprofit announced at its Conservation Summit on April 25.
 

Why it matters: South Carolina’s population is expected to double in 50 years. With that expected boom, it will take collaboration to protect natural resources and the jobs associated with it. Funding will allow nonprofits and public agencies that conserve and manage land to overcome financial barriers to protect natural resources, including watersheds.
 

Partnering for the planet: Speakers at the Conservation Summit included South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, the Nature Conservancy, other elected officials, and business leaders. Norfolk Southern, Google, Atlantic Packaging, Primo Brands, and AFL helped jumpstart the fund.
 

What they’re saying: “When we talk about sustainability, we often focus on the benefits to air and water without connecting those points to what that means for the economy. Fifty years from now, the economy and South Carolina’s rich biodiversity will be better off from the work that started this month.” – Josh Raglin, Norfolk Southern Chief Sustainability Officer
 

Find out more about the Brosnan Forest and the Land and Water Action Platform.