The Issue

Climate change (also known as global warming) has emerged as a phenomenon of critical concern worldwide. In response to well substantiated and compelling scientific evidence supporting the validity and urgency of climate change and the public’s desire for action, a political environment has been created for local, state, and federal lawmakers to press for real changes in public policy related to energy consumption/climate change. Broward County, the Florida Legislature, the U.S. Congress, and governments globally are engaged in the development of initiatives to reduce the impacts of climate change.  On June 25, 2008, the Florida Governor signed into law landark energy/climate change legislation (House Bill 7135) that will put Florida in the forefront of climate change initiatives.

Broward County Climate Change Initiatives

On June 24, 2008, the Broward County Board or County Commissioners (Board) approved the creation of a Climate Change Task Force to develop recommendations for a coordinated countywide strategy in mitigating the causes, and addressing the local implications, of global climate change.

The Climate Change Task Force will be appointed by the Board and supported by County staff. The goals of the climate change program include:
* development and implementation of projects and incentives for residents, businesses, and organizations to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gases (GHG);
* development and implementation of adaptation strategies to alleviate the likely adverse consequences of climate change;
* provision of education and outreach to encourage Broward County residents, businesses and organizations to participate in the program; and
* pursuit of federal and state grants, energy cost savings, and other financial resources to offset program costs.

"Reducing GHG emissions is an important component to Broward County's overall commitment to a healthy, sustainable environment," said Broward County Mayor Lois Wexler. "Broward County is already committed to reducing GHG emissions from County operations to 7 percent below 1997 levels by the year 2015. This task force will assist residents, businesses and organizations to set similar goals and strategies as we move forward together to face the challenges of climate change in the future."

Broward County Resolution 2008-442.

Government Operations Climate Change Workgroup

On June 12, 2007, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners (Board) adopted Resolution 2007-391 to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Broward County and to support the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement. This resolution establishes the Board’s commitment to climate change protection and creates a framework to guide the planning and implementation of related measures.  Consistent with the commitments under this resolution, the first Broward County action to carry out the mandate of the resolution was to create a Climate Change Government Operations Workgroup to develop an action plan and provide recommendations on GHG reduction strategies.  On June 24, 2008 the Broward County Government Operations Climate Change Report was accepted by the Board.  This Report includes a review of potential climate change related impacts;  a government operations GHG emissions reduction goal; a baseline year GHG emissions inventory; reporting of early voluntary actions already implemented towards the reduction target; and recommendations on GHG emission reduction strategies for future consideration.

Climate Change Links

 

My Florida Climate

 

 

U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement 

 

 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Change Information

 

 

Climate Change for Kids

 

 

Kyoto Protocol 

 

 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA)

 

 

Earth Observatory- NASA

 

Prevent Global Warming

En Español/An Kreyòl

 

 

Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator

 

 

U.S. Department of Energy Efficency and Renewable Energy 

 

Looking for ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money at the gasoline pump?  Check out   Broward County Transit and Tri-Rail services for alternative transportation choices. 

 

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green  Building Rating System

 

 

Earth friendly advice for a greener planet.   Check out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's At Home Ideas to see how you can reduce costs, consumption, and impact on the environment.       

 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Guide to "Let's Go Green Shopping"

 

 

Broward County Public Schools Environmental Publications: Environmental Strategic Plan /  The Broward Enviro-News

 

 

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