Climate Correction™ - A Climate Change Podcast Shannon Maganiezin

VISTA Award Presentation- Evaluation of Plant Varieties for Green Roofs in South Florida 

Description 

Green roofs are innovative roofing systems that support plant growth on buildings. They replace traditional roofing materials with a layer of soil for vegetation, offering various benefits such as mitigating the heat island effect, reducing stormwater runoff and sequestering carbon. However, implementing green roofs in the challenging climate of Miami and South Florida is a formidable task due to high humidity, extreme heat, desiccating winds, and hurricanes. The urgency is underscored by Miami's ranking as the third-worst Urban Heat Island Effect city in the US. The intensity of the problem is evident by the recent appointment of the world's first Chief Heat Officer for Miami-Dade County, underlining the severity of Miami's Urban Heat Island Effect. This problem affects residents, and addressing it through greening the city, including green roofs, is crucial. This project aims to recommend resilient plant species for South Florida green roofs, focusing on their carbon sequestration capabilities and reducing the urban heat island effect. This initiative's significance lies in mitigating climate change effects, fostering sustainable urban ecosystems, reducing carbon footprints, enhancing biodiversity, and improving urban well-being. Recognizing the urgent need for climate solutions, the project seeks to provide actionable insights for addressing South Florida's pressing climate issues. 

Speakers 

Ivan Oyege, Florida International University , Ph.D. Candidate 
Priyanka Belbase, Florida International University, Graduate Teaching Assistant 
Moses Kiwanuka, Florida International University, Graduate Teaching Assistant 
Jordan Prats, Florida International University , Ph.D Candidate 

 

Empowering Youth for Climate Action: Community Solutions in Action 

Description 

This panel will focus on the vital role of youth in implementing effective climate solutions within their communities. As the group who is most impacted by climate issues, yet having contributed the least to the problem, centering the voices of youth climate leaders is critical for equity. Highlighting the urgency of climate change, youth climate advocates will share their perspectives on the climate crisis and provide an overview of their climate initiatives to combat environmental challenges at the local level. From mangrove restoration to community gardens, the panel will showcase a range of grassroots efforts led by passionate young activists. Panelists will discuss the challenges youth face in mobilizing communities, emphasizing the need for collaboration with local stakeholders, educational institutions, and government bodies. They will also highlight the role of educational programs such as the FXB Climate Advocates program and others to support emerging leaders in their climate endeavors.  

Speakers 

Karina Weinstein, FXB, Program Strategy and Innovation Director 
Sofia Arnau, TerraServe, Inc., Founder & President 
Avi Gulati, FXB USA Climate Advocates 

WWF Presents Food Waste Warriors: OCPS and South FL 

Description 

Join WWF's Food Waste Warriors team as they dive into their collaboration with K-12 school food waste leaders in 5 Orange County Public Schools and expand efforts to South Florida. 

Speakers 

Mary Chandler, World Wildlife Fund, Food Waste Warriors 
Dan St Onge, OCPS 
Elaine Fiore, Broward Schools 

 

Carbon credit markets are a key market-based solution for accelerating global climate progress while restoring nature and creating a more just world. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) supports effective carbon pricing across the global economy; however, it will take years to build political support in countries across the world. Yet, to meet global climate goals, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) calls for urgent progress today. The goal is a 45% reduction in global emissions by 2030, which is equivalent to eliminating the annual emissions of the United Kingdom every week for the next seven years. In response, companies and governments are ramping up action in a race toward net-zero emissions by 2050. 

There is a massive ambition gap between the current pace of decarbonization and the pace needed to reach net zero by 2050. While carbon markets are a key tool in helping close this ambition gap, they have also been subject to criticism. In this session, TNC Managing Director of Carbon Markets Cam Moore will discuss why carbon credit markets are essential to closing the ambition gap, the urgent need to build a carbon markets Version 2.0; and the potential for this enhanced approach to create a cleaner, greener, and more just world. 



Speakers Campbell Moore, The Nature Conservancy, Managing Director, Global Carbon Markets Sofia Leon, The Nature Conservancy , Climate Innovation & Fundraising Lead

Reaching the Peak of the Summit: How Can Climate Events Create Change? 

Description 

Whether it’s COP, Climate Week NYC, or Earth Day, summits and convenings have become a major way to accelerate climate action. But how can we shift the focus from mere discussion to tangible action? Adam Lake gives his reflections on how climate events have changed since he joined Climate Group as Head of Climate Week NYC in 2018 and will discuss how grassroots campaigns, activists, and NGOs can better engage with key moments to push through more meaningful change. The session will also explore how to spot and avoid greenwashing, the importance of inclusivity, and how to create a big impact on a small budget.  

Speakers 

Adam Lake, Climate Group, Head of Engagement, North America 
Alejandro Delgado, VoLo Foundation, Editor in Chief 

 

Florida's Climate Future: Sunshine State or Stormy Situation? 

2:20 PM – 2:40 PM 

Description 

Florida families are already weathering the effects of climate change. Recognizing that knowledge is power, this panel will share stories of impact and showcase how this new tool can deepen understanding of how heat, flooding, and volatile energy costs risks vary and compound economic risk across their specific communities and what they can do to take charge of Florida's Climate Future.  

 Check out the tool: https://floridasclimatefuture.org/ 

Speakers 

Dawn Shirreffs, Environmental Defense Fund , Florida Director 
Claudia Navarro, WeCount!, Co-Executive Director 
Jonathan Alingu, Central Florida Jobs With Justice, Co-Executive Director 
Yoca Arditi Rocha, CLEO INSTITUTE, Executive Director