Florida Climate Change Web Site Unveiled, “Conversations” Begin

In anticipation of this week’s “Conversations on Climate Change,” Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Charles Bronson unveiled an official Web site for their Cabinet initiative.

Conversations on Climate Change is a series of four half-day Cabinet workshops that focus on climate change, how Florida’s economy is affected by changes in climate and the need to expand renewable energy sources.

“Climate change is a reality, and we need to learn as much as we can about the potential impact on our state’s financial health,” Sink said. “As a government official concerned about Florida’s economy, I am focused on protecting the vitality of our financial and insurance markets.”

“Conversations on Climate Change” will begin April 3 at 11 a.m. Future workshops are scheduled after the June 12, September 18, and November 14, 2007, Florida Cabinet meetings.

Each workshop will feature a new topic and national experts in areas such as: the science of rising sea levels, renewable energy sources, the impact of climate change on the insurance and financial industries, and more.

The sessions will also give elected officials, business leaders and Floridians the opportunity to understand how these challenges and potential solutions present opportunities for the growth of new industries in our state.

Special guest former New York Gov. George Pataki, who made the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions a priority in his administration, is planning to participate in the June workshop with other experts.

By logging onto www.floridaclimatechange.com, Floridians can learn about climate change, watch a Web cast of the April 3 workshop and read about initiatives in other states.

Source: www.fldfs.com