#United States #climate action #Palm Beach #VoLo Foundation #Florida Climate

Florida Climate Week 2025: A Resounding Success in Climate Action

Florida Climate Week (FCW) 2025 marked a significant milestone in the state's ongoing commitment to tackling climate change. Organized by the VoLo Foundation, this year's event spanned from October 6 to 12 and featured 83 free events, which included both virtual and in-person gatherings throughout Florida. With over 1,800 participants, the week was characterized by a collaborative spirit focused on advancing local resilience and actionable solutions to pressing climate challenges.

A Collaborative Atmosphere

Throughout the week, attendees ranging from community members and local leaders to scientists and environmental organizations came together under a unified goal: transforming knowledge into action. As emphasized by Thais Lopez Vogel, co-founder of the VoLo Foundation, “Florida Climate Week was a huge success, a powerful reminder that collaboration, innovation, and hope are driving real climate action across our state.”

The event featured 32 virtual sessions that engaged more than 600 participants online, while 51 in-person events drew over 1,200 attendees. This hybrid setup was not only accommodating but demonstrated VoLo Foundation’s commitment to accessibility, ensuring that climate information and solutions were available for everyone regardless of their circumstances.

Addressing Key Issues

Programming during Florida Climate Week tackled a variety of topics, including extreme weather patterns, coastal restoration, transportation, and biodiversity. Participants had opportunities to engage through expert-led webinars, hands-on environmental cleanups, youth activities, and discussions surrounding the circular economy. For instance, the City of Jacksonville highlighted its efforts with a community-focused public kickoff event, while Central Florida spotlighted e-waste and textile recycling initiatives. Coastal partners organized beach cleanups across various locations, such as Vero Beach and Jupiter, emphasizing practical, science-based solutions for community challenges.

The collaboration didn’t stop at community members; several local governments also took an active role. A total of 18 proclamations were issued by mayors and local authorities, declaring the week of October 6–12, 2025, as Florida Climate Week, showcasing the commitment at the municipal level to further climate action in their regions.

Regional Efforts Making an Impact

Florida Climate Week was a statewide initiative that engaged all four of the state’s major regions:

• - North Florida: Led by the City of Jacksonville, which also served as the public kickoff location.
• - South Florida: Events spread from Miami to Jupiter, including a range of community engagements.
• - West Coast: Tampa and St. Petersburg hosted gatherings that fostered community involvement.
• - Central Florida: Featured workshops and programs centered around Orlando.

Each region was able to focus on its unique challenges while sharing solutions tailored to local climates and ecosystems. The overarching theme remained consistent: meaningful progress on climate issues starts within communities themselves.

Transforming Awareness into Action

Florida Climate Week aims to empower communities with knowledge and tools for making informed decisions. As it enters its fifth year, it serves as a reminder that effective climate progress originates from grassroots efforts. “This week was about solutions and collaboration, because the decisions we make today will define the quality of life for future generations,” remarked Lopez Vogel.

As the VoLo Foundation looks to the future, they have announced the next edition of Climate Correction™, their flagship event set for March 10 and 11, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. Individuals who missed any online sessions during Florida Climate Week can access them for free on VoLo Foundation’s YouTube channel, further promoting the dissemination of knowledge and climate action.

In a world increasingly affected by climate change, Florida Climate Week 2025 stands as a powerful testament to collective action and local commitment, lighting the path toward a more sustainable future for Florida and beyond.