Florida Climate Week returns for sixth year with over 130 events

Florida Climate Week (FCW) is set to return for its sixth year, offering a robust lineup of over 130 free events and educational sessions across the state from October 5 to 11. The initiative, which connects residents with local leaders, scientists, educators, businesses, and community organizations, aims to explore practical solutions to climate challenges.

This year, FCW promises to be the largest program to date, with more than 95 in-person events and over 35 virtual programs. Participants can expect a diverse range of activities, from hands-on community events and expert discussions to workshops and virtual sessions. The programming will span across North, Central, South, and Southwest Florida.

"Florida Climate Week provides Floridians with a platform to learn about what is happening in their own communities, hear directly from experts and those working on the ground, and discover practical solutions and ways to get involved," said Thais Lopez Vogel, co-founder and trustee of VoLo Foundation. "Seeing what their city, university, neighborhood, or local organization is doing makes the path forward more tangible."

Local leaders, universities, and communities are actively participating in the event. Confirmed local government partners include the cities of Jacksonville, Orlando, St. Petersburg, and Fort Lauderdale, as well as Orange, Hardee, and Miami-Dade counties. Florida Gulf Coast University has also joined as an official university partner.

A variety of programs are scheduled, including Orange County's "From Heat to Hurricanes: Building a More Resilient Orange County," Rollins College's "Florida Climate Fair and Campus Swap and Shop," Florida Atlantic University's virtual program "Imagining the Future of Climate Change in South Florida," and "REEF to Resilience" in the Florida Keys, which connects marine science, citizen science, ocean conservation, and resilience.

Other programs will address green infrastructure, clean energy, water conservation, coastal ecosystems, and environmental education. For instance, the City of Jacksonville, through its sustainability manager Ashantae Green, is excited to partner with VoLo Foundation and other cities to create more opportunities for residents to engage with environmental stewardship.

"All Florida Climate Week events are free and open to the public," said Green. "With over 25 events happening across Jacksonville this year, we're showing that everyone has a role in building a healthier, more sustainable, and resilient city."

Residents can find and register for events by location, date, or topic at FloridaClimateWeek.org. Virtual programs will be available through Whova. A full event schedule is available at the website.

Presented by VoLo Foundation, Florida Climate Week is a statewide initiative that brings together residents, local governments, universities, nonprofits, businesses, scientists, educators, and community leaders to learn about Florida's changing climate and advance practical solutions. Through free statewide and online events, FCW connects Floridians with research, resources, and opportunities to strengthen the resilience of their communities.