ORLANDO, Fla.—Today, NextGen Climate President Tom Steyer visited Orlando to speak with community leaders and youth advocates about the devastating impacts of climate change and the economic benefits of transitioning to a clean energy economy. The visit was part of NextGen Climate Florida’s recently launched #50by30 campaign, an effort to mobilize a diverse coalition of voices calling for candidates to lay out a plan to achieve more than 50 percent clean energy by 2030.
“From rising sea levels to extreme heat, Central Florida is already feeling the impacts of climate change—especially those who are most vulnerable,” said NextGen Climate President Tom Steyer. “We urgently need candidates at every level to stand up for Florida’s communities and lay out a clear plan to cut pollution and build a clean energy economy.”
This morning, Steyer joined local faith, business and political leaders for a roundtable discussion on the ways in which climate change is impacting all Florida communities, especially those of color, and how they can benefit from the transition to a clean energy economy. According to the National Climate Assessment, the negative health effects of climate change—including hospitalizations from extreme heat and increased rates of asthma—fall disproportionately on some communities of color. The discussion, moderated by Chuck O’Neal, First Vice President of the Florida League of Women Voters, included immigration rights advocate Julissa Arce; business owner Carl Buford; Osceola County Commissioner Viviana Janer; Timothy Latty, Director of NewMYnds, LLC; Pastor Derrick McRae of Experience Christian Center; Dr. Brandon Noel, Professor of Environmental Studies at Bethune-Cookman University; Giorgina Pinedo, former Chair of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Lashea Reaves, Assistant Vice President of Recruitment at Florida Community Bank, And Dr. Lemir Teron of FASU.
Following the roundtable discussion, Steyer will visit the University of Central Florida to speak with student leaders from across the Sunshine State about the importance of mobilizing young voters to support #50by30. Participants will include student leaders from seven other Florida universities: Florida State University, Florida A&M, University of Florida, University of South Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Rollins College and Florida International University.
Florida is at a crossroads: it can transition to a clean energy economy to mitigate the impacts of climate change or take the risk of maintaining the dirty energy status quo. From rising sea levels to worsening air quality, Florida’s communities are already experiencing the impacts of climate change. Yet Florida has the potential to become a leader in the clean energy economy. Currently, 130,000 Floridians are working in clean energy, but experts say the state has enough solar resources to meet all of its electricity needs. It is time for our leaders to seize Florida’s clean energy opportunity and lay out a specific plan to build a clean energy economy.