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Stakeholders Strategize to Protect our Paradise
The first SWFL Climate & Community Summit was held on January 17, 2023. Over 250 of our Southwest Florida neighbors and leaders attended with one common goal: to overcome our barriers and to motivate our community with education, conversations, and collaboration to take action toward a sustainable way of life for us and future generations.
Throughout the one-day event, we came to understand our climate challenges and opportunities, addressed the impacts of Hurricane Ian and how we need to rebuild stronger and wiser, and prioritized the actions for our community and the SWFL Climate & Community Initiative to protect our paradise.
Our Community’s Action Priorities
Through legislation and policy, make a statewide commitment to reach net zero GHG emissions by 2050 or sooner.
The background materials for the tabletop discussion can be found here.
Provide incentives to support agricultural activities that can help mitigate climate change impacts, including water farming and carbon sequestration.
The background materials for the tabletop discussion can be found here.
Establish a regional/state-wide climate action think tank to inform climate actions plans and lead implementation.
The background materials for the tabletop discussion can be found here.
Develop climate education partnerships and coalitions within community-based organizations, business organizations, faith communities, local governments, public/private partnerships, and organizations already active in climate change education.
The background materials for the tabletop discussion can be found here.
Implement nature-based solutions to improve shoreline protection.
The background materials for the tabletop discussion can be found here.
Incentivize businesses for EV charging stations and solar.
The background materials for the tabletop discussion can be found here.
Revise landscaping ordinances to discourage the use of sod grass and codify alternative landscape designs and better protect the tree canopy.
The background materials for the tabletop discussion can be found here.
Local governments update and enforce the smart growth elements in their comprehensive plans/land development codes.
The background materials for the tabletop discussion can be found here.
Make green infrastructure a focus of effective municipal, regional and state investment.
The background materials for the tabletop discussion can be found here.
Build a network of various audiences with a common goal – a diverse community of businesses, marginalized communities, local leaders.
The background materials for the tabletop discussion can be found here.
- Land development
- Infrastructure
- Health
- Transportation
- And More
Based on these priorities and the feedback received, the SWFL Climate & Community Initiative is compiling an official report that will be shared with elected officials, community leaders, and attendees.
Watch The Urgency of Now Video
The Urgency of Now debuted at the Summit during the opening session. Created specifically for the Summit by KC Schulberg of Collier Waterkeepers, this film spotlights the exigency of our climate challenges and jump-started the event’s conversations.
Now is the Time to Act
Use the form below to sign up for communications and alerts on how you can get involved in our community to protect our paradise.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
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