Plus, we're introducing you to a 90-year-old Tai Chi instructor.
 
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Today’s Forecast

81º | 24% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:20 a.m. | Sunset 8:11 p.m.
High tide 1:11 p.m. | Low tides 6:56 a.m. + 6:59 p.m.
 
🚘 Our transportation climate index ranking
CHS_aerial_JAN2023
The VMT climate factor captures how many miles vehicles travel in a city on average each day. | Photo by @morgan_civ
Streetlight released its 2024 US Transportation Climate Impact Index, which ranks the top 100 most populated metros across eight key climate impact factors. We’re breaking down the numbers + diving into Charleston’s ranking.

Behind the methodology

Each of the eight climate factors — vehicle miles traveled (VMT), fuel economy, transit ridership, EV penetration (number of electric vehicles per 100 people), biking activity, pedestrian activity, truck miles traveled, and VMT change — were assigned a weight “based on their relative climate impact.” Utilizing the ranking results for each factor, cities were then given an overall ranking.

Learn more about how each climate factor was measured.

Key themes

  • Vehicle miles traveled — the largest contributor to a city’s emission levels — bounced back since taking a dip in 2020.
  • Biking sustained popularity, but pedestrian activity “dropped significantly.”
  • The number of electric vehicles per 100 people is still relatively low. Read: We’re still not seeing a large saturation of EVs; most cities saw fewer than one EV per 100 people.
In addition to discovering key themes, the data can aid in identifying where improvements are needed and where current efforts are making an impact in each city.

How we ranked

The Holy City ranked No. 23 overall. Now, take a look at the individual climate factor rankings:
  • VMT: No. 87
  • Fuel economy: No. 70
  • Transit ridership: No. 79
  • EV penetration: No. 61
  • Biking activity: No. 43
  • Pedestrian activity: No. 16
  • Truck miles traveled: No. 79
  • VMT change: No. 60
The 843 has several groups dedicated to helping people move around the community.

One of those groups, Charleston Moves, is a mobility advocacy nonprofit that serves Charleston County. It focuses on bicycle, pedestrian, and public transit infrastructure. To learn more about the group check out our Q+A with Savannah Brennan, Director of Programming.

May is Mobility Month, take a look at the events planned that highlight transportation priorities and advocacy opportunities.
 
Asked
 
Which of the eight key climate factors is the largest contributor to a city’s emission levels?
A. Vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
B. Fuel economy
C. Transit ridership
D. EV penetration
 
 
Events
 
Monday, May 13
  • The Art of Abstraction: Modernism in Quilting | Monday, May 13-Tuesday, Aug. 6 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St., Charleston | $0-$30 | Explore abstract artwork + quilts thanks to a partnership with the Gibbes Museum of Art and the museum.
  • Pentimento: An In-Store Poetry Reading | Monday, May 13 | 6 p.m. | Buxton Books, 160 King St., Charleston | Free, RSVP | This local bookstore will host author Joshua Garcia to celebrate the release of his debut poetry collection, “Pentimento.”
Tuesday, May 14
  • Shape Up Charleston | Tuesday, May 14 | 5:45-6:45 p.m. | Point Break Coffee & Drive Thru, 520 Folly Rd., Charleston | Free | Join this outdoor workout to work on your fitness goal + meet a new friend.
  • Mahjong Training Session | Tuesday, May 14 | 7 p.m. | Community Center, 55 Center St., Folly Beach | Free, RSVP | Learn how to play this fun tile-based game with other enthusiasts.
Wednesday, May 15
  • Early Morning Bird Walks | Wednesday, May 15 | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Caw Caw Interpretive Center, 5200 Savannah Hwy., Ravenel | $9 | Trek through Lowcountry habitats to view and discuss wildlife.
Thursday, May 16
  • Music Bingo | Thursday, May 16 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Indigo Reef Brewing Company, 2079 Wambaw Creek, Charleston | Free | Beats, brews, and bingo — join the free-to-play game for a chance to win free beer.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
 
News Notes
 
Biz
  • Technology company + government contractor GovCIO opened its first Lowcountry office near Joint Base Charleston and the US Naval Information Warfare Center. GovCIO holds government contracts totaling over $1 billion. The new office will support ~14 employees with several others working at lab stations. (Charleston Regional Business Journal)
Traffic
  • Join the conversation about the Bohicket Road improvement tomorrow, May 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. The meeting will focus on Segment C of the Main Road Corridor Project and will take place at Saint John’s Episcopal Church (3673 Maybank Hwy., Johns Island).
Festival
  • The Extra Chill Festival will return to the Charleston Pour House on James Island on Saturday, Aug. 10. Expect to hear music genres ranging from indie rock, southern folk, alternative hip-hop, and R&B. If you buy your tickets in advance they’ll run you $25, or $30 the day of.
Outdoors
  • These beachgoers will need some space. Now through July is horseshoe crab spawning season. During the new and full moons at high tide, hundreds of them will crawl onto our beaches. If you spot the spawning, report it to help SCDNR learn about our horseshoe crab population.
Feel Good
  • Meet Gwen Bihun, she’s a 90-year-old Tai Chi instructor. You can find her Tuesday and Friday mornings at the Daniel Island Library teaching movements that promote strength, balance, flexibility, and relaxation. Bihun says she teaches the class because she “feels it’s very important to give back to the community.” (The Daniel Island News)
Edu
Biz
  • Your ambition is infinite, but your time is not. Athena can help you scale yourself + your company by pairing you with an elite assistant and world-class delegation coaching. Bonus: CHStoday readers can score a $1,500 credit — see how.*
 
 
Concert
 
🌅 Ready to bust a move?
silhouettes of individuals dancing with the Ravenel Bridge in the background.
Attendees will be surrounded by beautiful views. | Photo provided by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission
It’s Monday, but we’re already thinking about the weekend.

Dancing on the Cooper is happening this Friday, May 17, during this event beach music and shag dancing will take over the Mount Pleasant Pier (71 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd.). The Shem Creek Boogie Band will perform live from 7 until 10 p.m. Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring your chairs.

Attendees can purchase food and snacks at the River Watch Café located at the pier’s entrance — check out the menu. Pro tip: Outside food, alcohol, and coolers are not allowed.

Tickets to this live music series are $10 in advance and if they aren’t sold out, expect to pay $15 on-site on the day of the event (credit card purchase only).

The rest of the lineup:
  • Friday, June 7 | Tommy & The Chucktown Players
  • Friday, July 19 | Island Party Band
  • Friday, Sept. 13 | The Cooper River Band
 
The Buy
 
Apple pie made easy. We’re celebrating National Apple Pie Day by warming up some of this Apple Pie Jam from Adams Apple Co. with a little bit of ice cream.
 
Answered
 
Beaches around the Lowcountry
Which is your favorite Charleston-area beach?
32.2% of readers said Folly Beach.

What is your favorite beach-related activity?
47.1% of readers said sunbathing.
 
 
The Wrap
 
CHS_CallieBrown Today’s edition by:
Callie
From the editor
I’m marking my calendar for a chance to see Horseshoe Crabs in the wild. One of my favorite things about living in the Lowcountry is seeing all the cool things nature offers first-hand.
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