The Sun Sentinel

By William E. Gibson

December 3, 2014

The White House declared Broward County one of 16 local “Climate Action Champions” on Wednesday because of its commitment to reduce air pollution and prepare for rising seas.

The designation means the county will get “facilitated peer-to-peer learning and mentorship and targeted support from a range of federal programs,” the White House said. “Furthermore, a coordinator will be provided to each Climate Action Champion to foster coordination and communication across the federal agencies, national organizations, and foundations in support of the Champions.

“The coordinator will also assist efforts to raise awareness of funding and technical assistance opportunities that are available specifically for Climate Action Champions.”

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, hailed the designation.

“In South Florida, we are the poster child for the impacts of climate change, and for years our Broward County leaders have worked tirelessly on short and long-term solutions that address issues such as carbon emissions and sea-level rise while enhancing our economy and protecting our cherished South Florida environment,” Wasserman Schultz said.

Broward faces immediate concerns about climate change largely because the low lying county is especially vulnerable to storm surges and flooding as the planet warms and sea levels rise.

The White House also praised Broward for committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2 percent a year, reaching 10-percent reduction by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050.