**Will Charleston’s Climate Lawsuit Stand Firm?**

In a pivotal week for Charleston, S.C., a landmark climate lawsuit is set to unfold as the city challenges major oil corporations regarding misleading information about climate change risks.

Charleston, a port city with a rich history and scenic beauty, finds itself on the frontline of climate vulnerability with sea levels rising and severe weather patterns intensifying. Responding to these threats, the city's leadership has initiated a lawsuit against the world’s largest oil companies, alleging that they have misled the public about climate change impacts.

What makes Charleston’s lawsuit particularly noteworthy is the support from its newly elected Republican mayor, alongside a backdrop of opposition from the Republican-controlled state of South Carolina. The case will be heard in state court with key arguments scheduled for Thursday and Friday this week.

The controversy surrounding the lawsuit has been amplified by President Trump’s recent executive order labeling such climate lawsuits as a national security threat. This has led to a broader wave of legal opposition, with the Trump administration even attempting to preemptively block similar lawsuits in Hawaii and Michigan.

Judge Roger M. Young Sr. will preside over the hearings, examining whether Charleston's case can proceed to a full trial while also considering the ramifications of the presidential directive. As Charleston embraces both tourism and new residential growth, it stands at a unique crossroads where history, culture, and climate advocacy intersect.

The potential outcomes of this case will not only impact Charleston but could set a precedent for how cities and states across the nation approach climate litigation against major polluters. With the city’s historical charm and rising climate risks, all eyes will be on Charleston as the legal battles unfold this week.