1st of 4 meetings scheduled for Tuesday

By DINAH VOYLES PULVER
Environment Writer
Daytona Beach New-Journal

Concerned about what long-term climate change could mean for Floridians in the next 100 years, two state officials are launching a series of workshops this week to learn more.

State officials have only recently started talking about what higher seas, less rain and warmer temperatures could mean in the Sunshine State, especially economically. But a number of other groups have been studying the possible effects, including several universities and the Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida.

Shortly after taking office, the state's new chief financial officer, Alex Sink, decided it was time to get all the groups into the same room talking about solutions and opportunities.

That will happen for the first time Tuesday, when Sink and Charles Bronson, commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, conduct the first of four "Conversations on Climate Change."

They're bringing in national experts to help the governor and Cabinet understand how many issues, such as power plant siting and land acquisition, could be linked to climate change, said Sink spokeswoman Tara Klimek. Among Tuesday's speakers are experts on sea level, insurance and renewable energy.

Sink grew concerned after learning that the risk and insurance industries are re-evaluating the state's risks in light of new reports about the potential impact of climate change.

A worldwide panel with thousands of experts studying climate change released a report in February saying the planet may warm between 2 and 10 degrees during the next 100 years, causing global air currents and weather conditions to shift, making it warmer in some places and colder in others.

The panel also concluded that it is highly likely humans are to blame, chiefly because of greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels.

A second report from the panel, with more specifics on what the potential impacts could be, will be released Friday. The report is expected to underscore the dramatic impact rising sea levels may have on some of the poorest people in the world, including millions in low-lying areas of Africa and Asia.

Many experts say Florida could be hotter and drier, and face more intense hurricanes. Combined with a projected sea level rise of at least 18 inches in the next 100 years, that could leave Floridians coping with more deadly storm surges.

Now companies that assign credit ratings and evaluate industry risks are taking a closer look at states where the affect could be greatest. Klimek said Sink is concerned because businesses and insurers are beginning to factor climate change into their modeling projections and rate increases in Florida.

While many states have ambitious programs to try to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, Klimek said, "Florida has not been contemplating or even discussing how climate change will affect our quality of life and how we live.

"People also are realizing there are new industries that we can be on the forefont of getting involved in."

Other states, such as California, are far ahead of Florida in planning to become more energy efficient, reducing emissions and preparing for rising sea levels.

Bronson's office has tried to promote Florida farmers to help provide bio-fuels as part of a national effort to produce 25 percent of the nation's energy needs by 2025.

The Century Commission is recommending the state come up with a plan to become independent of foreign oil.

"Florida should take the lead in not being beholden to areas of the world that are pretty dangerous," said Steve Seibert, the commission's executive director. "We think it's pretty important to find energy independence."

dinah.pulver@news-jrnl.com