DATE: January 29, 2016
MEDIA CONTACT: Samantha Danchuk, Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division, Broward County
PHONE: 954-519-1295
EMAIL: sdanchuk@broward.org
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County Commissioners unanimously approved the 2015 Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP). The CCAP 2015 is the second edition to the original 2010 plan that was the precursor to much of the climate change planning that has occurred in the County during the last five years. Over 86% of actions in the original plan were implemented and completed.
The CCAP is a comprehensive and actionable policy roadmap for Broward County with nearly 100 actions focused on the goals of reducing local greenhouse gas emissions and increasing community resilience to prepare Broward for the economic, environmental and social impacts of climate change.
Commissioner Beam Furr, who also serves as Chair of the Broward County Climate Change Task Force, sponsored the resolution at Tuesday's meeting. The CCAP is the product of a year-long process undertaken by the Task Force as a community-wide effort with participation from residents, local business, community organizations, universities and students, municipalities, county staff, scientists and federal agencies as well as many Broward County government departments. "When people ask what they can do or what Broward County is doing about climate change, the CCAP is something we can hand them," said Commissioner Furr.
"I've lived here since 1971. I don't ever remember water coming over seawalls at the level and frequency that it does. Finally, we have our permits to put sand back on our beaches at a $55 million investment. I'm in favor of building in better climate resilient features, better construction methods, preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. I think we're doing a lot of good work here," said Commissioner Chip LaMarca.
"We have more impact than any other entity on what happens here," added Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness referring to the responsibility people have in preserving our natural resources, and supporting the CCAP as it addresses elements essential to clean drinking water and planning for the future of the community.
Implementation of the CCAP will be coordinated across every county department. Progress made on the actions will be tracked and reported by Broward County Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division.
Residents, organizations, and municipalities are all encouraged to adopt and implement actions outlined in the CCAP. For more information about how to #ActOnCCAP or to learn more about climate change, visit broward.org/naturalresources.
A video recording of the meeting is available and can be watched online at: http://www.broward.org/Commission/Meetings/Pages/AgendasAndMinutes.aspx
The CCAP discussion begins at 1:28:40 in the recording.
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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