Our Impact
Florida Key Findings
The Economic Impacts of Climate Change in Florida's Rural Areas
Environmental Defense Fund - Florida | 2021
Almost half of Florida’s counties are classified as rural, clustered within the Everglades watershed to the south and the Big Bend/Panhandle region in the north. As Map 2 shows, most “urban” counties also contain large areas of rural communities, seen as the gray areas outside of the yellow urban area boundaries. For this reason, county level analysis can mask the extent of economic damage inflicted by hurricanes on small businesses in rural, inland areas.
Mason Dixon Poll
NEW POLL: Floridians Support Electric Vehicles and Fully Resourced Chief Resilience Office
EDF released results of a Mason Dixon poll offering insights into climate related priorities for the Florida legislature. The poll showed [strong] support for Senate Bill 514/House Bill 315 by Sen. Rodriguez and Rep. LaMarca which establishes the Statewide Office of Resiliency, a sea level rise task force and full time Chief Resilience Officer and Senate Bill 138/House Bill 817 by Sen. Brandes and Rep. Toledo which establishes a grant program on to enhance electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
Rising Tide Sinks All Homes
A Report Prepared with Florida Tax Watch
With more than 8,400 miles of coastline and a flat, low-lying coastal topography, Florida is especially vulnerable to the effects of sea level rise. Tens of thousands of Florida homes and businesses are at increased risk from sea level rise. Much of Florida’s critical infrastructure is at low elevations, designed and built with little consideration of future sea level rise.
Cost of Inaction Report
How climate change threatens Floridians' futures
While Floridians are already experiencing the impacts of climate change — from floods to higher temperatures — a series of threats will compound over the next 20 years if climate change is left unchecked. These near-term climate costs range from higher electricity costs to lower tax revenues and will further strain the state and its residents as Florida seeks to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has battered its economy and taken thousands of lives.
The Energy Insecurity Landscape: Florida
An Analysis Prepared with Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance
Environmental Defense Fund and Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) released an analysis showing the energy insecurity being faced statewide by Floridians. Data points toward outsized energy cost burdens facing Florida’s small towns and more rural communities.
In addition to energy costs, the analysis also examined Florida’s market for jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Energy efficiency is the leading source of energy employment in the state. In fact, Florida is home to just over 5% of all energy efficiency jobs in the nation. The state’s energy efficiency workforce has grown almost 10% since 2017. Florida is also one of the leading U.S. states in overall renewable energy employment, and the market in renewable energy jobs has grown by 26% since 2017.
Florida Engagement
EDF was thrilled to host Florida’s Chief Resilience Officer, Dr. Wesley Brooks and leaders from island communities across the Sunshine State for a robust discussion on their unique climate change risks. Heat, rising sea level and severe weather events are especially daunting for geographically isolated cities from Key Biscayne to the gulf islands.
The Latest in Florida
While all of us feel the squeeze on our electric bills and at the pump as fossil fuel costs rise, Florida lawmakers passed a $112 billion budget, the largest in state history. So how did families and businesses concerned about climate impacts fare over the 60-day legislative session? It’s a mixed bag.
When will we lead on Climate Change?
Palm Beach Post | Dawn Shirreffs
Sea-level rise resilience bill will help Floridians stay in their homes | Opinion
While all of us feel the squeeze on our electric bills and at the pump as fossil fuel costs rise, Florida lawmakers passed a $112 billion budget, the largest in state history. So how did families and businesses concerned about climate impacts fare over the 60-day legislative session? It’s a mixed bag.
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Florida is the #1 state with the most historic sites at risk of flooding
Rising sea levels. Runoff from rapidly melting snow and ice. Rivers and streams overflowing their banks. As climate change continues to wreak havoc on the environmental norms humans widely take for granted, the frequency and severity of extreme weather has increased on a global scale.
Florida families and small businesses deserve to recover solar costs
Florida families and small businesses deserve to recover costs on solar investments at the same rate as utilities. The current net metering policy was designed to help reduce energy costs to all users and wean Florida from our over-reliance on fossil fuels by ensuring those who invest in solar for their homes and businesses are paid fairly for excess electricity they send to the grid.
Legislature must act now to save Florida’s climate future | Commentary
Jan. 11 marked the beginning of the 2022 legislative session, providing Florida lawmakers with three big opportunities to change the trajectory of Florida’s future and mitigate the impacts of climate change on our state.
Our Films
An EDF Florida Original Series
Keeping Florida, Florida
Environmental Defense Fund has released the first three short films in a four-part film series entitled “Keeping Florida, Florida” showcasing the urgency of Florida’s climate crisis and the opportunity state and federal leaders have to build long-term resilience for the state’s communities, economy and ecosystems. EDF is releasing the series in individual installments, each featuring different regions of the state and unique perspectives from local leaders discussing on-the-ground climate impacts and highlighting solutions that address these risks.
