Climate change knows no boundaries; when it comes to resilience, we know that we are stronger when we work together. In recognition of this, on Tuesday, the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners unanimously resolved to join the newly-forming Southwest Florida Regional Resiliency Compact.

Counties and cities that join the Compact commit to jointly identifying and addressing the effects of climate change, such as harmful algal blooms, sea level rise, intensifying hurricanes, and erosion. Members will share scientific data and planning tools, develop a unified action plan, and support one another as they prepare for, adapt to, and mitigate climate change impacts. The unified voice of the Compact will better poise Southwest Florida to apply for federal funding and grants, to secure the necessary resources to move climate solutions forward, and to advocate for state and federal legislation that is responsive to the region’s needs.

Charlotte County is the first out of the prospective members – Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties and their respective municipalities – to signal their commitment. Looking forward, the other counties and cities will each need to vote on whether to participate. 

If formed, the Southwest Compact would join the state’s other regional climate collaboratives: Southeast Florida’s Regional Climate Change Compact, formed over a decade ago, and the more recently organized compacts in East Central Florida and the Tampa Bay area.

Charlotte County’s leadership is an important step in amplifying Southwest Florida’s ability to protect its natural resources and bolster its resilience in our changing climate. Thank you to Peace River Audubon Society and Audubon Florida’s Charlotte County members for voicing their support for the Compact.