SWFL Climate &
Community Summit

This one-day event brought together the citizens of Southwest Florida to discuss the impacts of climate change and prioritize the actions needed to protect paradise.

Ideas & Projects You Can Champion

Outcomes from SWFL Climate & Community Summit

Read and share the Outcomes Report from January 17, 2023 Summit. It highlights the activities leading up to the Summit and documents the strategies attendees prioritized to address ten climate challenges in the region. It also offers ideas and approaches that local governments, community organizations, businesses and residents can use to advance climate solutions.

SWFL Climate & Community Summit

In January, our community came together for the inaugural SWFL Climate & Community Summit. This unique event was attended by business and civic leaders, elected representatives, environment experts, and concerned citizens.

This event aimed to learn how we can magnify our opportunities, combat our challenges, and make a difference to protect our paradise.

What You Need to Know

Changes to our region are not far off in the future. They are already here. Many of us in Southwest Florida have experienced the effects of the shifts in our environment and climate. These issues impact us physically, mentally, financially, and economically. With education and planned action, we can work together to create real, local change in our area so we can protect tomorrow.

Heat Fact

Ft. Myers and Naples rank 5th and 6th in U.S. cities that will have an increased number of Dangerous Heat Days (heat index above 105 degrees).

It's predicted that the number of Dangerous Heat Days will increase by 135/year by 2030, compared to 26/year in 2000.

Air Fact

For every increase of 1 degree Celsius in warming, there is a 25 – 30% increase in the number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes.

The average American produces 50,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, which increases global temperatures. In Florida, 45% of our emissions are related to transportation.

Sea Fact

Florida sea levels have risen 8 inches since 1950 and are accelerating.

By 2030, it is predicted that Florida sea levels will rise another 4 – 5 inches.

Shore Fact

Charlotte, Lee, and Collier Counties are ranked in the top 6 of Florida counties at risk of flooding.

Healthy Florida reefs provide flood protection to more than 5,600 people and save $675 million in property and economic damage each year.

Change is Happening Now

The SWFL Climate & Community Initiative is a collective of concerned citizens, businesses and organizations who recognize the impacts of climate change and the need for action. By working together, our community can identify the challenges and opportunities before us, and take the actions needed to preserve our economy, our environment, and our way of life today and for future generations.

Community Conversations

This past May, community leaders in Collier and Lee Counties came together to with experts to discuss climate impacts in Southwest Florida.

During these professionally facilitated events hosted by regionally community foundations, leaders brainstormed strategies to preserve Southwest Florida and its resources, as well as how to encourage community action.

Community Conversations

An opportunity for local lenders to engage with climate experts and share ideas on how best to preserve a healthy and prosperous Southwest Florida community

Now is the
Time to Act

Take your first step towards caring for our way of life in Southwest Florida by subscribing to our communications. Learn more about opportunities for you and your community to enact solutions that lessen the impacts of climate change.

FACT

Extreme heat events have become more frequent and severe.

FACT

Two-thirds of extreme weather events in the last 20 years were influenced by humans.

Ideas & Projects You Can Champion

Outcomes from SWFL Climate & Community Summit

SWFL Climate & Community Summit

What You Need to Know

Heat Fact

Air Fact

Sea Fact

Shore Fact

Change is Happening Now

Community Conversations

Community Conversations

Now is the Time to Act

FACT

FACT

FACT

FACT

Learn. Act. Protect Tomorrow.

Now is the
Time to Act