We Don't Talk about Sustainability

Charleston, South Carolina, holds a pivotal role in heritage conservation within the United States, having established the first municipal historic district in 1931. This chapter explores the intersection of heritage conservation, social justice, and sustainability in Charleston, highlighting the city's influence on conservation practices. Despite Charleston's economic prosperity driven by heritage tourism, the city faces severe climate threats, including frequent flooding and the endangerment of the Gullah Geechee cultural heritage. This chapter critiques the lack of coordinated climate action and sustainability policies, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to global sustainability that includes cultural heritage sectors. Through a case study of Charleston, this chapter advocates for heritage practitioners to engage in climate justice and policy improvement, addressing the unsustainable ethos inherent in some localities. The discussion extends to the broader implications of social and economic vulnerabilities rooted in colonial and slavery-based histories, advocating for decolonizing public history and incorporating traditional knowledge into contemporary conservation efforts. This chapter concludes by drawing parallels with Germany's post-World War II reconciliation efforts, underscoring the importance of addressing systemic racism and social justice to achieve meaningful sustainability.