SWFL pulling together to confront climate concerns

With discussions on climate change, sea level rise and coastal resiliency gaining steam, Southwest Florida municipalities are following the lead of other regions in the state to try and address the issues.

Last fall, Dr. Michael Savarese, a professor of marine science and environmental studies with Florida Gulf Coast University's Department of Marine and Ecological Sciences, reached out to several representatives from governments in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties about meeting to discuss the impact of climate change and see if there was interest in a unified approach to coastal resiliency.

Sanibel Natural Resources Director James Evans explained that the initial meeting led to more gatherings as the various entities voiced support. Called the Southwest Florida Regional Resiliency Compact, members in the group recently drafted the group's mission and what it will focus on.