This year’s Florida Climate Conference was a blockbuster! Over 200 participants joined 20 scientists, doctors, and leaders at the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee campus to explore the profound impacts of climate warming on human health, both physical and mental.
For those who attended or supported us online, thank you for being part of this important event. Past conferences have focused on the CAC Florida Climate Forecast for 2050 detailing what specifically we need to do in order to withstand our future climate. Another focused on impacts from sea level rise, harmful algae blooms, hurricanes and extreme precipitation in our environs.
Next up was “The Triple Threat from Water and What to Do About It.” This event foretold the story of what the CAC expected to soon happen on the Suncoast and this year it all happened in one summer and fall!
The Florida Climate Conference each year brings the best minds and speakers to Sarasota. It is a CAC hallmark!
This year’s conference was packed with valuable content. We will make the individual presentations available to all ticket holders within the next few weeks as a thank-you for your participation and support.
For those who couldn’t attend but want to access these impressive, information-packed videos, they will also be available for purchase. Once you purchase a ticket, you will receive a private link to view the videos—whether one at a time or all at once—whenever you choose.
Bob Bunting, CEO of the CAC, speaks at the conference about the dangers of a warming climate.
10 Key Takeaways
1. Climate Heating
- Climate heating is worse now than at any time in human history.
- Excess heat drives climate-enhanced events, including stronger, slower-moving hurricanes, major storm surges, rising sea levels, red tides, and excessive precipitation causing freshwater flooding.
- Current climate changes are significant and will continue to worsen over the next lifetime.
2. Heat as the Largest Killer
- Heat-related deaths surpass all other climate-induced impacts globally but are underreported and lack real-time tracking.
- Real-time data is essential for medical systems to address this growing issue effectively.
- By 2050, heat-related deaths will escalate, and the healthcare system must adapt or risk failing its mission.
3. Health Impacts of Urban Heat
- Heat stress, strokes, heart attacks, and other heat-related ailments are increasing.
- Florida cities must address urban heat risks through innovative zoning and land use planning.
- For example, Sarasota’s zoning for 18-story buildings could raise the Urban Heat Island Effect by 10°F, exacerbating heat risks.
- Adaptation efforts include varying building heights, preserving breezeways for ventilation, and addressing rising nighttime temperatures.
4. Adaptation is Essential
- Planting trees, using reflective materials, and installing green roofs are vital to urban cooling.
- Schools can serve dual purposes as cooling centers during heatwaves and evacuation centers during storms.
- Rebuilding after storms without adaptation invites repeated failure and economic decline.
5. Emerging Diseases
- Diseases like dengue fever and malaria are spreading in Florida due to warming temperatures.
- Mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas are primary vectors for these diseases.
6. Waterborne Diseases
- Diseases such as Vibrio are increasing due to floodwaters and polluted seawater.
7. Air Quality Decline
- Rising temperatures increase pollen production, ozone pollution, and wildfire smoke, causing cascading respiratory issues across populations.
8. Mental Health and Climate Warming
- Climate anxiety and trauma from disasters, financial stress, and migration are growing mental health challenges.
- Multidisciplinary “Climate Doctors” can proactively address these issues.
- The healthcare sector contributes 8% of annual U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating a more sustainable approach.
9. Migration Challenges
- Climate events drive international and local migration.
- For example, two major storms in Central America in 2020 significantly increased migration from the region.
- In Florida, migration from vulnerable areas like the Keys highlights ongoing climate pressures.
- Smart adaptation, including better zoning and building codes, can mitigate these challenges.
10. Protecting Vulnerable Communities
- Low-income housing should not be built in flood-prone areas.
- Past solutions will not suffice in a rapidly changing environment; innovative approaches are essential to ensure safety and equity.
Next Steps
There are many more lessons from this conference. It is the first time we have had a real conversation on this level with decision-makers who can make a difference. All of you are decision-makers. It is not someone else who has the responsibility—it is you!
Let’s work together to get this done on a local level. If every community acts together, the problem will be solved over time.
For the next lifetime, while the world transitions to net-zero or better emissions, our only real choice is ADAPTATION! Lots of opportunities and lots of hope await!