Florida Summit on Global Climate Change: Opening Day

The two-day “Serve to Preserve” Florida Summit on Global Climate Change, held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami, Florida, and hosted by Florida Governor Charlie Crist, concludes today, July 13, 2007, with an appearance by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

Following is a recap of news and information from the Summit’s opening day.  We will provide more information on today’s procedings as it becomes available.

Should you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact this office.

 

Background:  Florida Joins the National Climate Registry on May 8, 2007

On May 8, 2007, Governor Crist executed the multi-state compact for the national Climate Registry which will enable Florida to sit at the table with other leading states in crafting emission reporting guidelines for industry.

The emerging partnership is a group of nearly 30 states and several tribes which have committed to standardize best practices in greenhouse gas emissions data reporting and management, establish a set of common protocols and support a common reporting system. The Climate Registry will ensure consistency and transparency between climate programs implemented by states and tribes as well as establish a high level of environmental integrity in emissions accounting, reporting, and verification.

Over the last three decades, leading experts have developed a strong body of scientific evidence documenting changes in global climate patterns as well as changes observed on the ground. The science is increasingly clear about the role of carbon emissions in changing our global climate. With over 1,200 miles of coastline and most of our residents living in coastal communities, Florida is more vulnerable to the worst effects of climate change than any other state.

The list of founding member states and tribes includes the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming and the Campo Kumeyaay Nation. Two Canadian provinces, British Columbia and Manitoba, have also committed to participate.

To read more about Florida’s participation in the Climate Registry and its principles and goals, click here.

 

About the “Serve to Preserve” Florida Summit on Global Climate Change

The Summit was created to bring together policy makers, academics, scientists, environmentalists and the business community to discuss the impact of climate change in Florida.  These experts will help develop best practices related to alternative fuels and emission standards.  The group’s strongest recommendations will help shape procedures for state agencies and future legislation.  For more information, visit www.MyFloridaClimate.com or www.flgov.com. 

To offset the energy used for the Summit, the State of Florida has worked with the non-profit CarbonFund.org to estimate the carbon emissions created by summit participants through their use of transportation, hotel operations and food preparation.  Because carbon emissions have global impact, supporting renewable energy anywhere can compensate for the environmental impact of the Summit.  Florida’s financial support of renewable wind energy in New Mexico will counterbalance the carbon emissions generated by the Summit. 

 

Governor Crist Opens Florida Summit on Global Climate Change

To read the Governor’s Summit opening address, click here.

While welcoming participants to the Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change, held at the Intercontinental Miami Hotel, July 12-13, 2007,  Florida Governor Charlie Crist encouraged the attendant 600 participants and 200 members of the media to actively engage in the global climate change discussion and understand the need to address climate change. 

“I am honored that so many outstanding scientists and leaders with expertise in global climate change are joining us for this summit,” Governor Crist said.  “Our purpose during these two days is to hear from the experts and learn how we in Florida can address the causes and effects of climate change.”

Governor Crist introduced international leaders Minister Matthias Machnig of Germany and Dr. John Ashton of the United Kingdom.  Minister Machnig is Germany’s State Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservancy and Nuclear Safety.  Dr. Ashton is the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for Climate Change within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.  The two spoke at Thursday evening’s dinner.

To read more about Minister Matthias Machnig and Dr. Ashton, click here.

The Governor also highlighted world-renowned speakers Robert Kennedy Jr., Theodore Roosevelt IV, Vinod Khosla and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.  In addition, expert panelists will discuss a variety of topics, including Florida’s sources of greenhouse-gas emissions; effective ways to reduce greenhouse gases, including using clean and renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency and conservation; transportation and land use efficiency; agriculture and forestry conservation; and success stories of emissions reductions by a variety of international, state, regional and local government efforts.

“Global climate change is one of the most important issues we face this century, and we must take action,” Governor Crist said.  “We must make every effort to boldly do our best to do what is right – for our environment, for our economy and for future generations.  We have a responsibility to be good stewards of Florida’s natural resources and beautiful surroundings.”

Governor Crist emphasized the connection among Floridians’ quality of life, the state’s beautiful natural environment and global climate change.  Florida’s weather, beaches and fishing attract 85 million visitors each year, making tourism Florida’s number-one industry.  Many visitors come to enjoy the almost 1,350 miles of coastline, freshwater springs, America’s Everglades and our 130 miles of coral reefs. 

The natural beauty that draws people to Florida is vulnerable to the impact of the people drawn to it.  Florida is one of the fastest growing states, with almost 1,000 new residents arriving daily.  As the fourth most populous state, Florida ranks third in energy consumption, with 70 percent of Florida’s electricity being generated by fossil fuels.  For these reasons, Florida’s long-term economic well-being is linked to actions taken to address global climate change. 

“Florida is uniquely vulnerable to the impact of climate change,” Governor Crist said.  “Bordered by bodies of water, our state has thousands of miles of rivers, streams and waterways.  Our waters define our state’s identity, and global climate change can threaten that identity.”

Governor Crist summarized threats to Florida’s economy that could be associated with global climate change.  Due to declining rainfall, parts of Florida, including South and Southwest Florida, are currently experiencing long-term drought conditions, which endanger Florida’s agriculture industry.  Currently, more than 270 different crops are grown in our state, making Florida the tenth largest agricultural state in the nation.  In addition, many scientists link global climate change to violent weather patterns, such as the ones Florida experienced during the unprecedented 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons when Florida was hit by seven hurricanes, costing more than $36 billion. 

Due to global climate change, scientists estimate that sea levels will rise five inches during the next 25 years, and by 20 inches by the year 2100.  These changes can affect water temperatures and salt levels, disrupting nature’s perfect balance in sensitive areas such as America’s Everglades and our coral reefs.  Rising sea levels can also jeopardize Florida’s water supply.

Governor Crist also called for Florida to become a leader in renewable and alternative energies such as ethanol and biofuels, solar and wind energy.  Florida has the greatest capacity in the nation to produce ethanol because of a year-long growing season and robust agricultural lands.  Florida’s sugar cane and citrus industries have great potential to become a statewide asset when converted to ethanol.  In this way, energy diversification can be vital to Florida’s economic development and security. 

One new volunteer initiative, “Serve to Preserve Florida,” will help educate individuals, businesses and policy makers about energy conservation.  Governor Crist announced the new Volunteer Florida partnership that will engage volunteers of all ages in projects to restore and protect Florida’s natural environment.  

 

Live Web Casts of Florida Summit on Global Climate Change Are Accessible at www.MyFloridaClimate.com

Interested individuals who were unable to attend the upcoming Serve to Preserve Florida Summit on Global Climate Change to view live Web casts of summit keynote speakers and panel discussions.  Viewers can visit www.MyFloridaClimate.com to observe portions of the two-day conference in Miami on July 12-13, 2007.

“I invite every Floridian to take advantage of the live Web casts and the opportunity to learn from the outstanding scientists and national and international leaders who will share their expertise on global climate change,” Governor Crist said.  “As we consider how technology can help us reduce greenhouse gases and increase our energy efficiency, it makes sense for us to also use the technology of live Web-casting to increase the public’s access to the important information that will be shared at the summit.”

Live Web casts of portions of the conference will be available during the summit, and recordings of keynote speakers will continue to be available from the www.MyFloridaClimate.com Web site after the summit concludes. 

To view the Summit schedule and a list of presentations click here.

 

Newspaper headlines generated from the Summit included:

(click on a headline to read the complete story)

Governor takes cause global and urges change at summit

Crist to sign strict emissions orders

Crist sets Florida on a green path

Crist emerges as new Republican leader on climate change

The Economist:  Greening Florida

Gov. Crist unveils state plan to reduce greenhouse gases

Crist vows state will go green

Gov. Crist says vehicle inspections won’t return because they’re too inconvenient