Climate Change Workshop Held in Orlando

DOZENS ATTEND TRAINING

The Climate Change Workshop, hosted by the Florida and National Wildlife Federations, was held at the Orlando Museum of Science on October 13, 2007.

Climate scientists from around the world tell us that unless we act now to curb global warming, temperatures could climb between 4 and 11 degrees this century. This prediction is contained in the 2007 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Such a temperature rise would forever alter the land and water resources upon which all life on earth depends. For the past year leaders, like Governor Charlie Crist, and environmental advocates, like the Florida Wildlife Federation, have been sounding the alarm about the detrimental impacts this could cause for Florida, its wildlife and our residents, especially along our coastal communities.

What can hunters and anglers do to help change the forecast?

FWF board members Jay Bushnell, Wanda Jones and Janice Kerber joined 57 other "grass-top" activists who attended a special training aimed at equipping hunters and anglers with up to date information regarding the impact of climate change on Florida. They were joined by National Wildlife Federation board member, Jenny Brock, and Wakulla County Commissioner, Howard Kessler, and his wife Ann for the day-long seminar designed to equip its participants to take the message to other community groups, religious organizations and policymakers. The seminar was developed and led by scientists and advocates from the Florida and National Wildlife Federation staffs, including Jay Liles and Ann Vanick-Dasovich, who serves on the FWF board of directors and, along with Liles, is a consultant to the FWF on energy policy. The focus of the training was a PowerPoint © presentation that takes the audience through a brief explanation of the science of global warming and many of the solutions that will mitigate those impacts including simple, practical steps people can take right now to make a difference.

By making subtle lifestyle changes, all of us can begin to contribute to the solution today. Here are just three to consider:

• Restore habitat where you live. Planting trees and restoring wetlands helps capture global warming pollution and helps wildlife cope with climate stresses.
  
  

• When shopping for a major appliance, look for the Energy Star label. Next time you buy a car or boat, purchase one that cuts emissions and gets better fuel economy. For outboard motors, a low emission four-stroke motor pollutes only one-sixth the amount of older engines. Save money at the gas pump by keeping your car and trailer tires properly inflated and your car and boat engines tuned.
  
  

• Next time a light bulb burns out, replace the bulb with a compact flourescent one. Over its estimated 4 year life, one bulb will save you a few bucks, plus the equivalent of a whopping 500 pounds of coal!

Another way you can help is to contact your legislators in Washington and Tallahassee and let them know that you support aggressive policies that address energy efficiency, green house gas (GHG) reductions and alternative energy sources. Scientists tell us that just a 2 percent annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions will turn the tide of global warming. These critical actions would accomplish the most on behalf of every outdoors enthusiast.

Spread the word - if you, or your group would like to have the Target Global Warming/ Climate Change Presentation for your next meeting, please contact the FWF offices at (850) 656-7113 and speak with Jay Liles.