August 2020 | Issue 3 GrowingClimateSolutions.org
In This Issue
There's an App for That!
Establishing Roots
Summer is typically a time to regroup, re-refresh and plan for “Season”. But summer 2020 has been different. Because the spring was spent reorganizing and reprioritizing activities and projects in response to COVID-19, this summer we’ve pressed forward to make up lost ground.

Growing Climate Solutions has worked steadily to firmly establish itself in the Southwest Florida community. We are meeting and engaging new partners and expanding our communications on social media and through the newsletter. We also continue work with our Leadership Circle partners and to further develop climate-focused education, propose operational policy reform ideas and encourage project investments. By the end of August, we expect to have scheduled our first round of partner Zoom calls in an effort to foster more collaboration and cohesion among our Leadership Circle partners. 
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS


  • Citizen's Climate Lobby - Allied Organization
  • Sierra Club - Allied Organization
  • All Faith's Unitarian Universalist Church
  • John R. Wood Properties
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
August Heat Advisory

The first week of August is typically the hottest of the year in Southwest Florida, with temperatures consistently reaching into the 90º. Wear light colored breathable clothing. Stay in shaded areas. Drink plenty of water. Be attentive of heat stroke symptoms.
Living Greener
What's in a Name? - New Bill Aims to Grow Carbon Credit Market
Our name is so great federal legislators borrowed it for a new bill called Growing Climate Solutions Act. The bill aims to help farmers, ranchers, and foresters participate in carbon credits markets, a financial market-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
 
Carbon credit markets emerged in the US in 2008 as a way for polluters to offset their carbon emissions by purchasing the pollution emission rights, the “credits”, from companies that incorporate technologies or practices that reduce emission or sequester carbon. The agricultural and ranching sectors are important potential participants in carbon markets, as some crops and farming practices (see side bar) can sequester carbon or require lower energy use. However, participation among agriculturalist and ranchers has been lackluster, particularly among smaller family-owned operations. READ MORE
There is an App of That !
Changing habits is hard. Many people find support and success with the use of assistive technology. 

Like Fitbits and Weight Watchers help dieters keep track of exercise and calories consumed, there are now a number of apps that can help eco-minded people track everything from their carbon footprint to water use. Some are gamified, making it fun for teens to get engaged. Most are easy to use and provide a valuable information.

Growing Climate Solutions’ Intern Ms. Kiah St. Onge shares some of her favorites with you. If you have other suggestions, let us know and we will get the word out. Read More
Think Deeper
Thoughts from Regional Director
Dr. Ana Puszkin-Chevlin
Let's Teach 21 Century Social Studies!
This August, as parents, teachers, and school districts struggle to decide how to safely educate our children during a raging pandemic, they may not realize that Florida’s State Standards for K-12 Civics and Government are being revised. If future generations of Floridians are to be prepared to address the complex political, economic and public policy challenges, including mitigating and adapting to a changing climate, now is the time to substantially improve the Sunshine State’s Social Study Standards.  Specifically, we must ensure that students obtain a complete and sophisticated understanding of the function and processes of state, regional and local government, the multidisciplinary impacts of climate change on our civilization, and an appreciation of how civic engagement is needed to solve societal problems and make our democracy effective and just. You can advance climate solutions by being part of that process. Read More
Website Highlights
Our website provides updated news, information and additional climate resources. Don't miss...

CLIMATE NEWS HEADLINES WORTH READING

There is a lot going on!! We've picked some recent compelling articles, including one on the Vatican's teaching on climate and another on electric vehicles charging in Florida.