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November 2024 Public Forum: Environment, Issues, Solutions, Sustainability, and Action

November 12 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm EST

A Public Forum on the Impact of Climate Change on Our Community

What You Need to Know & What Solutions Should be Implemented

Supported by the Water School at FGCU

FGCU Cohen Center Ballroom on November 12th, starting at 6 p.m.

Don’t miss out on the chance to attend the Public Forum on Tuesday, November 12, at FGCU’s Cohen Ballroom from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. This event promises to be a catalyst for positive change in Greater Estero, offering hope for a more sustainable future.

The impact of climate change on our community is undeniable, and we need to come together to address the pressing environmental issues we face. Your involvement is crucial and integral to ensuring our discussions are inclusive and reflect the community’s needs and aspirations.

Climate change has led to higher global temperatures and its impact on sea levels. With Estero being only 13 feet above sea level, there is a serious threat to our environment and quality of life. We must act now and act together as a united community to address these challenges. The forum will explore essential topics such as climate change impacts and solutions, improved water quality, municipal environmental sustainability, community education, and engagement. We aim to inspire action and ignite a vigorous community response to combat the effects of climate change and warming.

You will also have the opportunity to ask questions of the panel at the end of the discussion.

Greg Tolley, Professor of Marine Science and Executive Director of The Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University, will moderate the Forum.

Panel Members:

  • Mike Savarese, Professor, Department of Marine and Earth Sciences, FGCU.
  • Matt DePaolis, Policy Director, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation.
  • Codty Pierce, The Calusa Waterkeeper.
  • FGCU Student studying environmental issues.

You’ll Learn:

  • What pressing climate change and warming issues threaten our environment and quality of life in greater Estero?
  • How are increasing temperatures directly impacting greater Estero?
  • What do climate change and warming mean in a municipal environment (transportation, energy efficiency, waste reduction, environmental sustainability growth policies?)?
  • What climate change and warming threat-mitigating projects can be implemented?
  • What examples of active participation are pivotal to driving the transformative changes we need?
  • What is a “Reasoned Plan of Action” approach?
  • What organization should lead the establishment of the approach in greater Estero?
  • How can we establish local climate change and warming efforts related to water quality, municipal climate change and warming, environmental education, and community engagement?
  • What are the potential sources of water pollution, climate change, and warming in greater Estero?
  • Given the continued growth in urbanization, is the quantity of water in greater Estero available from our aquifers?
  • What are the solutions if there is a potential water shortage?

 

 

Let’s work towards finding sustainable solutions and inspiring a vigorous community response to combat the effects of climate change and warming in our area. Your participation is crucial for the future of our community, and we look forward to your attendance.

Mike Savarese

Professor, Department of Marine and Earth Sciences, FGCU

Michael Savarese is a Distinguished Professor of Coastal Geology, Climate Resilience, & Preparation within the Department of Marine and Earth Sciences within Florida Gulf Coast University’s Water School. He has degrees in geoscience with background in coastal geology, paleontology, and sedimentology & stratigraphy. Throughout his years at FGCU, he has served as a liaison between scientists and managers/decision-makers.

Matt DePaolis

DePaolis
Policy Director, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

Matt has a master’s degree in marine biology and a Juris Doctorate with environmental and ocean and coastal law certificates from the University of Oregon. His strong science and environmental law background support leading the policy team and advancing policies needed to improve water quality and protect our natural resources. 

Codty Pierce

Captain Codty Pierce, The Calusa Waterkeeper

The Calusa Waterkeeper

Codty’s early background in reptiles, wetland restoration, and native plant landscaping, coupled with a career as a professional fishing guide, has created a unique collage of his in-the-field experience across local uplands, wetlands, estuaries, and nearshore Gulf waters. As a Waterkeeper, Codty’s mission is to protect and restore the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee to Coastal Waters  and a passion for uniting and protecting this unique watershed.

Details

Date:
November 12
Time:
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm EST
Event Category:

Organizer

Engage Estero
Email
info@esterotoday.com
View Organizer Website

Venue

FGCU Cohen Center Ballroom
11090 FGCU Blvd. N.
Fort Myers, FL 33965 United States
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View Venue Website