DATE: April 24, 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Jason Liechty, Environmental Projects Coordinator
Environmental Planning and Community Resilience
PHONE: 954-519-0310
EMAIL: jliechty@broward.org
Broward County, FL - President Barack Obama, visiting Everglades National Park in Homestead on April 22nd to mark Earth Day, urged even greater efforts to restore the Everglades and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions which are causing the planet's climate to change.
Speaking to a large group of advocates, local elected officials, students, and federal employees from the National Park Service and other agencies, the President underscored the importance of the Everglades. He stressed that it is not only a unique ecosystem, but it is also critical to combating saltwater intrusion caused by rising sea levels which threatens the drinking water supply of seven million people in south Florida, including all of Broward County.
"Climate change," President Obama said, "is not a problem for another generation, not anymore. This is a problem right now. It has serious implications for the way we live; stronger storms, deeper droughts, longer wildfire seasons." He noted the effects rising sea levels could have on the freshwater ecosystems of the Everglades, as well as the threat to Florida's $82 billion tourism industry.
Dr. Jennifer Jurado, Director of the Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division, represented Broward County at the President's address. She states, "Everglades restoration is a prime example of how the protection and enhancement of natural resources not only benefits the overall ecosystem, but also makes our communities and economy more resilient to the impacts of climate change."
President Obama also made specific mention of the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact, lauding its bipartisan leadership and calling it "a model not just for the country, but for the world." Broward County joined Palm Beach, Monroe, and Miami-Dade counties in forming the Compact in 2010 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts already affecting southeast Florida.
Broward County has worked closely with the federal government on climate and energy initiatives in recent years. The County contributed significantly to the recommendations developed by the State, Local, and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience.
In addition, Broward and other county governments in Florida were awarded a $2.3 million Rooftop Solar Challenge II grant by the U.S. Department of Energy for the Go SOLAR Florida initiative, which aims to reduce the permitting and financing costs of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems for homeowners and businesses. Broward County and its Compact partners were also named one of sixteen Climate Action Champions communities by the White House, receiving special technical and funding assistance for efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
About Environmental Planning and Community Resilience
Broward County's Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division protects, restores and enhances the quality, abundance and diversity of the County's natural resources through coordinated management efforts in five areas: water resource policy and planning, urban and natural lands management, beach and marine resources, energy and sustainability, and environmental monitoring. For more information call 954-519-1270, visit our website or follow us on Twitter.
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