Commissioner Nikki Fried, Mayor Rick Kriseman, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti Host Mayors Climate Forum on Earth Day

St. Petersburg, Fla. – Today, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried joined St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman in hosting a Mayors Climate Forum, discussing local approaches to addressing climate change. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Lauderhill Mayor Ken Thurston, and Cutler Bay Mayor Tim Meerbott joined virtually, along with Sarasota Mayor Hagen Brody, Dunedin Vice Mayor Jeff Gow, Clearwater Councilmember Kathleen Beckman, and others. The participating cities are part of Climate Mayors, a bipartisan coalition of 470 U.S. mayors in 48 states demonstrating climate leadership. April 22 is globally recognized as Earth Day and Commissioner Fried officially proclaimed April 22, 2021, as Earth Day in the State of Florida.

“On Earth Day we come together to recognize that we have only one planet that we all share, so we must take care of it,” said Commissioner Fried. “I appreciate the support of so many local leaders that understand it’s not enough to just talk about climate change, we have to take action, starting a new chapter on energy, climate, sustainability and resiliency. We must deliver on our promise to embrace a greener future that lifts all communities, let’s everyone share in the prosperity of a new energy economy, and keeps Florida growing.”

“We have to be serious about climate change and what it means to us,” stated Mayor Kriseman. “When it comes to climate change and environmental issues, it’s so nice to have someone in Tallahassee who gets it. I thank the Commissioner for her friendship, her partnership, and her leadership.”

“Thank you for inviting me to be a part of this and for fighting the good fight for so many of us. You’re not only a Florida state leader but a national leader and I am proud to stand by you,” said Mayor Garcetti. “Hope hangs on the horizon but the challenges before us have never been more incredible. The work that cities are doing show that the fight in this climate emergency is actually one we can win. I was so inspired to hear President Biden’s commitment of our national goal of a 50 percent reduction of our carbon emissions by 2035… There isn’t a city or state leader that shouldn’t embrace this.”

VIDEOS/PHOTOS: A Zoom recording of the forum and photos are available here.

At the forum, Commissioner Fried announced two initiatives launching in the coming weeks. First, the FDACS Office of Energy will commission an Energy Equity Study to produce a report that characterizes utility burden and energy insecurity among low and moderate-income Florida residents, which will help address barriers that lead to inequity in energy investments. Second, will be the launch of an Urban and Community Farming Pilot Program, which will create greenspaces in urban areas to reduce energy costs, encourage community involvement by giving residents a larger role in improving their own communities, and a new emphasis on locally grown produce right in the backyard.  

FDACS Office of Energy will be hosting its next biennial Florida Energy and Climate Summit both in-person and virtually in Orlando from November 15-17, 2021. Details can be found at: FloridaEnergySummit.com.

Background: Florida faces the nation’s highest coastal flooding threat, with 3.5 million people at risk, and the highest risk of extreme heat by 2050. Sea level rise will cost Florida $75 billion in next 20 years, having already risen eight inches in the past 60 years. Greenhouse gas emissions are a leading driver accelerating climate change, and since 1950, those emissions have increased by over 400 percent. Some crops will decline up to 80 percent due to climate, potentially leading to higher crop insurance rates.

In addition, Florida residential energy expenses are 40 percent higher than the national average. With 92 percent of Florida electricity coming from burning fossil fuels, our state has the nation’s third-highest energy consumption, including 800,000 barrels of oil used every day. With up to 30 million people expected to call Florida home by 2045, energy inefficiency and climate change pose an accelerating threat to our state, economy, and daily life.

FDACS Office of Energy: Since taking office, Commissioner Fried has revitalized the FDACS Office of Energy, empowering the office with a new focus on energy efficiency, climate change, and low-income energy equity. Under Commissioner Fried’s leadership, the Office of Energy has highlighted the need for improved energy efficiency standards, hosted the first statewide summit to address climate change since 2008, and released the 76-page Florida Energy and Climate Plan[ ][  ]. Since being transferred to FDACS in 2011, the Office has administered $158 million in state and federal funds for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, including energy efficiency upgrades for small and rural local governments. The Office has also provided hundreds of free energy and water audits for agricultural producers.

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