FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 12th, 2022
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Santa Cruz Communications
Claudia Santa Cruz
claudia@santacruzpr.com
786-218-3009
Danixa Lopez
danixa@santacruzpr.com
305-467-5592
The initiative brings the climate crisis to the forefront, with the goal of putting the state on a net-zero emissions and clean renewable energy pathway now
MIAMI, FL – September 12, 2022 – The extreme dangers posed to the state of Florida by heat-trapping emissions are at the center of a new innovative campaign unveiled today, featuring a unique gift shop with an unexpected twist. As gift shops are an iconic cornerstone representative of Florida’s booming tourism economy, The CLEO Institute, VoLo Foundation, and the Union of Concerned Scientists partnered with Miami ad agency Zubi to create The Emergency State gift shop. This unique shop focuses on the most critical issue the state has: the climate crisis and how it will affect tourism, the economy, and the coveted Florida lifestyle in the coming years. Watch the brief video that reveals shoppers’ shocking reactions as they realize something is drastically wrong and learn the hard way how the impact of the climate crisis can affect their daily lives. Visit cleoinstitute.org/floridainemergency to watch the video.
Presented by The CLEO Institute and powered by VoLo Foundation, two nonprofit organizations that are working to solve climate crisis statewide, in partnership with the Union of Concerned Scientists, an organization that uses rigorous, independent science to solve our planet’s most pressing problems, “Florida, The Emergency State” calls on individuals via this impactful video to anticipate the effects of rising sea levels and chronic flooding in their day-to-day lives. It urges them to help tackle the climate emergency by signing a petition stating their wish and stance to put Florida on a clean, renewable energy pathway and a rapid transition to net-zero emissions.
“Floridians are already experiencing the impacts of a changing warming climate in alarming ways. Extreme weather events like hurricanes and heatwaves are claiming lives, rising living costs, claiming precious habitat and species, erasing coastlines, threatening our drinking water supply, and so much more. Sadly, these impacts are not felt equally. Lower-income Floridians, and historically marginalized community members: people of color, indigenous communities, women, and the elderly, bear a disproportionate burden. The climate emergency can no longer be ignored, and our government has a responsibility to act with urgency and implement equitable climate solutions that prioritize people over profit now” said Yoca Arditi-Rocha, Executive Director of The CLEO Institute.
“Florida is already suffering the impacts of the climate emergency. We have the technology and science to solve this crisis and protect the well-being of our communities. Our elected officials must take the necessary steps to ensure we meet a net-zero emissions and clean renewable energy goal by 2040. The moment to act is now,” expressed Thais López Vogel, founder, and trustee of VoLo Foundation.
As the planet continues to warm and sea levels rise, the Sunshine State’s risks will only continue to grow with extreme weather events affecting all areas of life. These include higher costs of real estate, property insurance, energy, and food, along with an imminent threat to our drinking water source due to seawater intrusion. With Florida sea levels projected to rise by 10 to 17 inches above today’s waters by 2040, the Sunshine State faces increased risks of coastal inundation and erosion, frequent flooding in vulnerable coastal areas, and the impacts of surge from tropical storms or hurricanes.
“Floridians are on the frontlines of climate change, with sea level rise, rapidly intensifying hurricanes, and astounding levels of extreme heat set to batter the state. Florida’s communities deserve bold, science-based, decisive action by their leaders to protect them from these threats and limit how bad they will get,” commented Dr. Rachel Licker, Principal Climate Scientist, Union of Concerned Scientists.
The climate crisis in Florida not only affects Floridians, but tourists, and individuals living seasonally and doing business in the state. Visit cleoinstitute.org/floridainemergency to watch the video and sign the petition. Follow the conversation using the hashtags #FloridaClimateEmergency and #FloridaEmergency
“Florida, The Emergency State” counts with the support of Adsmovil, a minority-owned and certified leading pioneer in Hispanic mobile advertising and digital media; and The Invading Sea, the opinion arm of the Florida Climate Reporting Network, a collaborative of news organizations across the state focusing on the threats posed by the warming climate.
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About The CLEO Institute
Founded in 2010, The CLEO Institute (CLEO) exists for the sole purpose of building climate literacy and spurring climate action. As the only women-led nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in Florida that is exclusively dedicated to climate change education, advocacy, and engagement, CLEO is viewed as the go-to regional source for credible, vetted climate science. The CLEO Institute is a 501(c)(3) working with communities across Florida to build climate literacy and mobilize climate action for a just, resilient future. Learn more at cleoinstitute.org.
About VoLo Foundation
VoLo Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2014 by David S. Vogel and Thais Lopez Vogel that seeks to educate audiences on how to create a sustainable and secure planet for generations to come. VoLo was founded with the mission to accelerate change and global impact by supporting science-based climate solutions, enhancing education, and improving health. VoLo Foundation believes that developing and sharing knowledge through facts and data accelerates positive global change. Through original research and analysis, and in collaboration with philanthropic and academic partners, VoLo aims to enrich the lives of individuals, strengthen communities, and educate future generations. The foundation tracks its progress using a variety of qualitative and quantitative approaches, while supporting programs that generate measurable, meaningful, and sustainable results. Learn more at volofoundation.org.
About The Union of Concerned Scientists
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet’s most pressing problems. Joining with people across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future. For more information, go to www.ucsusa.org.