The sixth annual Florida Climate Week is underway this week, bringing scientists, climatologists and environmental groups together to talk with the public about the state’s climate and environmental challenges. The Volo Foundation, which focuses on education and sustainability, said localized threats are already affecting Floridians through the economy, insurance costs and rising energy costs.
In Palm Beach County, the Angari Foundation showcased its ocean research. Angela Rosenberg, the group’s president and captain of the research vessel Angari, said the organization takes scientists on research expeditions across Florida waters. Event visitors could tour the oceanographic vessel, watch citizen scientists take part in a lagoon drift debris project and learn what it takes to work up a shark.
The Loggerhead Marine Center also took part, hosting lectures on how climate change affects sea turtles. Research scientist Dr. Katie Fowler said turtles travel to waters people rarely reach, so their health offers clues about changing oceans. Her talk focused on how rising temperatures affect nests early in development, including whether hatchlings develop correctly, survive and become male or female, which can shape populations over time.
