May 15 2008
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the Florida Wildlife Federation (FWF), and Florida business leaders today unveiled an unprecedented advertising campaign showcasing Florida companies and entrepreneurs on the front line of the fight against climate change.
The Faces of Climate Change campaign tells the story of Florida businesses developing the next generation technologies that are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and powering job growth as America moves toward a low-carbon economy. TV ads featuring the faces of climate change in Florida run in markets across the state beginning this week.
Participants in the ads range from the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Mosaic (the world's largest phosphate company) to St. Joe (the state's largest land owner) and PetroAlgae, which makes oil from algae in Fellsmere, FL.
"The unfolding threat of climate change has launched a worldwide race to a new energy future," said Jerry Karnas, Florida Climate Project Director at Environmental Defense Fund. "Florida has a lot to gain when it comes to economic development through green technology. Our state also has a lot to lose if global climate change continues unchecked, given our 1200 miles of coastline, low-lying topography, and location in the hurricane belt. Florida's position as a swing state in national elections makes this a critical battleground for climate change policy."
"Climate change is one of the most serious threats facing our state, especially our wildlife," said Jay Liles, Policy Consultant with the Florida Wildlife Federation. "Political candidates understand that. Our Governor recognizes the need to do more to reduce the impacts of global warming. And now we have business leaders who are lending their faces and their success stories to help everyone understand that businesses do play a key role in securing a safe environment in the future."
Congressional action on global warming is expected shortly. In early June, the U.S. Senate is scheduled to consider the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act, a cap and trade bill approved by the Environment and Public Works Committee last December.
For more information, visit http://edf.org/facesofclimatechange .