As climate change has continued to unfold across the globe, both the human and natural communities of Southwest Florida have and will continue to be affected by its impacts.
The fingerprints of climate change in the region can be seen in increases of flooding from more heavy rain events, the greater number of intense hurricanes in a given season exposing us to damaging wind and storm surge, the continual uptick in extreme heat events, and the amplification of already problematic harmful algal blooms. These and other climate change-induced stressors impose significant challenges on our treasured local habitats and wildlife – like our mangroves, dunes, and marshes, our sea turtles and panthers – that must also respond in the face of other threats like development and degraded water quality.
This is why the Conservancy knows that it is essential to engage with climate issues as part of its mission to protect Southwest Florida's unique natural environment and quality of life...now and forever. The Conservancy also recognizes that our natural systems represent essential solutions in our local resiliency response. This includes the ability of mangroves, oyster reefs, seagrasses, and other natural features to help reduce wind and wave energy while also often locking up excess atmospheric greenhouse gases in their biomass and providing a suite of other invaluable benefits. We will continue to advocate for a balanced approach to addressing local climate challenges that works with and protects our local environment, as well as our local quality of life including our nature-based economy.
