Southwest Florida is experiencing the effects
of a changing climate.
Stronger
hurricanes
Persistent harmful
algae blooms
More frequent
flooding
Record-breaking
daily temperatures
Southwest Florida’s year-round sunshine and beautiful temperatures are why we love where we live. But they also make it challenging to see the impacts of climate change that are underway – until something drastic happens.
Stronger hurricanes, persistent harmful algae blooms, more frequent flooding and record-breaking daily temperatures are some of the noticeable effects of climate change. However, these events – along with less visible ones like gradual sea level rise and saltwater intrusion – have indirect impacts on our natural and built systems, economy and health in Southwest Florida. Ignored, our changing climate will threaten the quality of life we cherish. But by focusing on solutions to our region’s carbon emissions and ways to adapt to changing conditions, we can create opportunities and resilient communities.
Growing Climate Solutions: Path to Positive Southwest Florida is a regional climate initiative aimed at developing a network of local organizations, leaders and citizens who will work to build climate awareness, protect our natural assets and empower Southwest Florida residents, businesses and civic institutions to support and engage on climate solutions that advance a healthy, prosperous and resilient community.
Our Mission
Growing Climate Solutions: Path to Positive Southwest Florida’s network of local organizations, leaders and citizens is being formed to support the protection of our natural environment, the prosperity and health of our community, and the education and empowerment of all community members to engage and support solutions in the face of a changing climate and its impacts in Southwest Florida.
OUR FOUNDING PARTNERS
Also generously supported by the Kapnick Family Foundation.
OUR MISSION
Growing Climate Solutions: Path to Positive Southwest Florida’s network of local organizations, leaders and citizens is being formed to support the protection of our natural environment, the prosperity and health of our community, and the education and empowerment of all community members to engage and support solutions in the face of a changing climate and its impacts in Southwest Florida.
Our Principles:
Build climate
awareness using
proven communication,
education and
engagement strategies
Protect our natural
assets using
strategies rooted in an
understanding of how
they provide resilience
Engage and empower
community leaders to inspire,
guide and support decisions
and local actions that will make
our region resilient
Ensure a prosperous and
healthy community by
supporting inclusive decision
making and equitable solutions
that create resilience
Increase the visibility of
local climate action by
celebrating successes
and becoming a national
role model
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HOW DO WE ENGAGE?
WE BELIEVE THAT EDUCATION EMPOWERS ACTION
Growing Climate Solutions seeks to educate Southwest Floridians about how and why our climate is changing, as well as the broad range of impacts our community will experience in the coming decades. This knowledge is fundamental to motivating collective action now.
Some climate solutions will require public sector commitment and investment. Growing Climate Solutions knows that civic leaders will move forward on these actions when stakeholders voice their support for resilience measures. By educating our citizens, our democracy works better.
Recent surveys have shown that our residents believe climate change will impact them, but many are unsure about how to help. So, we educate residents, businesses, institutions and local governments on the type of actions they can take to be good stewards of our environment, to prepare for and to mitigate climate impacts.
As organizations plan and implement sustainability projects and programs, Growing Climate Solutions can offer guidance and recognition for these efforts, turning organizations into community role models for a “path to positive” future.
Join Us
Everyone can do something to address climate challenges. Whether you are a leader of a business, faith or community organization, or you are simply a concerned citizen, there are steps you can take to get involved and advance climate awareness and action in Southwest Florida.
We need you on our team!
Everyone can do something to address climate challenges. Whether you are a leader of a business, faith or community organization, or you are simply a concerned citizen, there are steps you can take to get involved and advance climate awareness and action in Southwest Florida. We need you on our team!
DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE
Download a sharable resource about Growing Climate Solutions’ efforts and impact in Southwest Florida – and share us with a friend