DECEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

On November 9, 2024, the PBC Office of Resilience, PBC Parks and Recreation Department, and Community Greening hosted the Resilient Glades Tree Campaign’s first tree giveaway at Glades Pioneer Park in Belle Glade. We distributed avocado, mango, marlberry, and paradise trees to Glades Community members, handing out 200 trees at the event. This $1 million grant-funded project from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will plant trees at six PBC parks, give away 2,000 trees, pilot a small urban food orchard, and support youth workforce development. By expanding tree canopy, this project aims to improve air quality, increase shade and cooling, absorb storm water, mitigate climate change, and boost access to fresh produce in the Glades region. Keep an eye on the Resilient Glades Tree Campaign webpage to stay informed on upcoming events and project updates. 

On November 18, 2024, the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact held a Peer Learning Exchange for South Florida local government sustainability and resiliency staff interested in learning more about energy benchmarking. Benchmarking is where a building owner compares their building’s utility bills to similar building types to see how their own building performs. This process can help reduce energy consumption by promoting better building management. At the Learning Exchange, members heard from the EPA, Miami-Dade County, City of Miami, Boston, and the Institute for Market Transformation. Local governments highlighted how benchmarking programs can help advance greenhouse gas emissions goals and current capabilities in tracking utility data and metrics.

About 40 cities and counties across the United States have implemented benchmarking policies requiring large commercial buildings to collect and report this data to the local government. See the Institute for Market Transformation’s policy map here. The EPA has more information about benchmarking here.

Do you have any goals for making 2025 more sustainable and resilient in your personal lives? As we wrap up 2024, OOR staff have been thinking about small differences we can make in our own lives to reduce our overall footprints. See ours below and share yours with us on social media!

• Megan: Gift experiences instead of items. This year, I want to prioritize giving experiences to my children. It is an opportunity to create memories rather than continue to buy items that could eventually end up in the landfill.
• Stessy: Shop at local farmers markets. This year, I want to support local produce vendors. By shopping locally, I can reduce the carbon footprint from shipping food and avoid plastic waste by purchasing fruits and vegetables without plastic packaging.
• Jena: Buy clothes secondhand with a focus on natural fibers. I plan to buy secondhand clothing this year to reduce the carbon and resource footprint of my clothing. Also, by wearing natural fibers, I will avoid producing microplastics that are shed from plastic-based fabric when they are washed and eventually end up in the waterways and ocean.
• Javian: Get involved with a community garden. I would like to volunteer at a community garden, learn about urban agriculture, and support the planting, harvesting, and marketing efforts of a community garden within Palm Beach County.
• Natalie: Utilize public transportation. My goal is to use more buses and trains to get around town. This will help reduce the carbon footprint of my travel and support local public transit organizations.

Whitehouse Announces Florida Selectees to Receive $349,690 in Grants to Help Businesses Prevent Pollution

On November 1, 2024, the University of South Florida (USF) was awarded $349,690 in grants to provide technical assistance in developing and implementing pollution prevention (P2) practices for local businesses. P2 projects work to reduce pollution at the source before the recycling, treatment, or disposal stage. Its focus will include reducing greenhouse gas and hazardous air emissions, as well as mitigating energy and water use. USF was one of forty-eight selectees. To learn about other grant awardees, click HERE. 

NOAA, Health Organizations Launch Fellowship to Advance Equity in Health, Climate Policy

On November 12, 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) partnered with George Mason University’s Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health and the Meharry School of Global Health on its Policy Experience in Equity Climate and Health Fellowship. Starting September 1, 2024, George Mason University’s fellowship will educate doctors on climate and health inequities. NOAA’s science and tools will be used to assist physicians working to protect their communities’ health. To learn more about the fellowship, click HERE. 

White House Attends U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP29)

Leading up to the 29^th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, the White House highlighted its current climate initiatives, such as investing in clean energy through the Inflation Reduction Act on November 12, 2024. At the COP29 conference, the administration planned to announce other programs that will benefit the economy while promoting climate action through a multitude of sectors. To read about these upcoming projects, click HERE.

White House Continues Climate Investments to Reduce Emissions, Lower Home Energy Costs

On November 14, 2024, the White House announced additional funding for three climate initiatives. The Department of Energy, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Transportation (DOT), distributed nearly $1.5 billion to support states and local governments in implementing clean energy projects into their infrastructure. For a more detailed overview of the initiatives, click HERE. 

NOAA, U.S. Department of Transportation Team Up to Advance Climate-Smart Transportation

On November 19, 2024, NOAA and DOT signed a joint memorandum allowing resources to for the two agencies to collaborate with assisting state, local, tribal, territorial, and commercial entities to incorporate emission reduction and resiliency practices into their operations. NOAA’s climate scientists will provide technical expertise, education, grants and climate data to DOT’s stakeholders. To learn more about this partnership, click HERE. 

NOAA’s Center for Heat Resilient Communities Launches Resource to Develop Heart Resilience Roadmaps

As part of the White House’s Investing in America agenda, the Center for Heat Resilient Communities (CHRC) recently announced it is offering ten communities $10,000 and technical assistance to develop Heat Resilience Roadmaps. The roadmaps will assess community impacts of extreme heat, as well as their capacity to respond and build heat resilience. To learn more about this resource and how to apply, click HERE. 

EPA Releases National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution

On November 21, 2024, the EPA outlined actions communities can take to protect themselves from plastic pollution and waste through their National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution. The is one of three pillars in the EPA’s “Building a Circular Economy for All” effort, in addition to recycling and reducing food loss and waste. To learn more, click HERE.

EPA Report Shows US Fuel Economy Hits Record High and CO2 Emissions Reach a Record Low

The 50^th anniversary of the Annual Automotive Trends Report found that all 14 large automotive manufacturers have met current greenhouse gas standards in 2023. The November 2024 report concludes that with the integration of electric and hybrid vehicles on roadways, there is 11% less CO₂ emissions. Since the EPA began tracking data in 1975, new vehicles have a roughly 99% reduction in pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. On average, vehicles have a 27.1 miles per gallon fuel efficiency in 2023. To read the report and to learn more, click HERE. 

Colorful Climates: Teaching Climate Change Through Art

Location: Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, 253 Barcelona Rd., West Palm Beach, FL

Date: January 6, 2025, 8:30 AM–3:30 PM

Details: Florida Atlantic University is hosting a professional development workshop, which aims to teach the importance of climate science with the help of art. The full day event will discuss current issues Florida faces, as well as the health of local biodiversity. At the end, educators will assist in installing a mural representing their understanding of the local impacts of climate change. This seminar is free to the first 25 people, but requires registration. To learn more or to register for the workshop, click HERE.

Resource Depot to Celebrate 7^th Annual Waste to Wonder Exhibit

Location: Resource Depot, 2508 Florida Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Date: January 17, 2025, 5:30 PM–7:30 PM

Details: The 7^th Annual Waste to Wonder exhibition will feature 18 artists and their work in transforming discarded items. Light refreshments and music will be at this public event. $10 donations are appreciated, but not required to attend. To RSVP or learn more, follow this LINK. 

Community Greening Hosts Tree Giveaway in Pahokee

Location: Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 187 W. 5^th Street Pahokee, FL

Date: January 25, 2025, 10:00 AM until supplies run out

Details: Join OOR, Community Greening, and PBC Parks and Recreation Department for the Resilient Glades Tree Campaign’s next tree giveaway. Community members of Belle Glade, Canal Point, Lake Harbor, Pahokee, and South Bay are eligible for up to two trees to plant in their yards. Trees will be available on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last. To learn more, click HERE.

Climate Correction 2025: Leaders in Action

Location: The Celeste Hotel, 4105 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL

Date: March 12-13, 2025, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Details: The VoLo Foundation’s Climate Correction 2025 Conference theme is “Leaders in Action.” This conference will recognize individuals, organization, and communities leading the change for resilience and innovation. The two-day event will host several workshops, interactive exhibitions, art, and other experiences. Tickets go on sale January 1, 2025. To learn more about what will be showcased or to register, click HERE. 

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