FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Ian Quartin – iquartin@CLEOInstitute.org
Phone (305) 573-5251
Miami — A report released today by The CLEO Institute proposes a strategy for state leaders to
reduce the impacts of hurricanes, rising seas, and hotter temperatures on Florida communities,
particularly those who are vulnerable because of limited resources to address risks.
The Florida Future Fund would improve public health, promote energy independence and
reduce environmental risk for residents statewide. A mix of public, private and philanthropic
funding would be used to support investments in projects for pollution reduction, future-ready
infrastructure, flood protection, clean energy, and expanded public transportation, with a specific
emphasis on equitable access to funding.
“The last decade has shown us that many of the interrelated challenges in Florida, and
throughout the nation as a whole, can be tackled by designing and implementing strategies that
solve environmental, economic, and social problems while limiting risks,” said Yoca Arditi-
Rocha, executive director of the CLEO Institute. “In order to address the inextricably linked
issues of economic inequality, environmental disparities, and our changing climate, Florida must
heavily invest inequitable climate infrastructure and clean energy to be resilient and climate
ready.”
The CLEO Institute recommends at least sixty percent of Florida Future Fund dollars would go
to communities of color and communities that are low-income. An advisory board that includes
seats for community representatives would help ensure an equitable project selection process.
For every $1 invested in building resilient communities and infrastructure, $6 are saved in future
costs, including from economic disruptions, property damage, public health crises, and deaths
caused by hurricanes, floods, and other extreme weather disasters, the report notes.
Read the report: “Securing a Safe, Just, and Climate-Ready Future for Florida” by Bianca
Majumder, Cathleen Kelly, Salome Garcia, Yoca Arditi-Rocha, and Katrina Erwin.