Florida Climate Week 2026: Engaging Communities and Expanding Reach for Climate Action
The sixth annual Florida Climate Week (FCW) took place in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the state's climate action efforts. Organized by the VoLo Foundation, this year's event expanded its reach significantly by engaging diverse communities through a robust lineup of
132 events—including
96 in-person and
36 virtual sessions. The initiative involved the collaboration of
213 speakers and
122 organizations, showcasing Florida's dedication to promoting climate solutions and fostering community resilience across various municipalities and counties.
One of the standout events was the
Mindful Coastal Rehabilitation hosted at the historic
Von D. Mizell/Eula Johnson Clark State Park. This initiative focused on promoting the wellness of both individuals and ecosystems, in partnership with
AHAM Education Inc. and the
Southeast Climate and Energy Network (SCEN). This innovative approach emphasizes holistic environmental care.
Another notable highlight was the annual beach cleanup executed by the
iCare Program in collaboration with
Sea Turtle Adventures, showcasing proactive community involvement in preserving Florida's beautiful coastlines.
This year's Florida Climate Week was notable not only for its participation numbers but also for the diverse demographics it attracted. The inclusion of birding groups, expanded arts programming, and interactive events reflected a rising interest in climate action, making FCW far more accessible to new audiences. As
Thais Lopez Vogel, the president of the VoLo Foundation, remarked, this year's Florida Climate Week was undoubtedly successful, demonstrating Floridians' readiness to lead climate initiatives in their communities. She expressed hope that the momentum gained during the week could translate into continued action throughout the year.
Additionally, the 2026 Florida Climate Week celebrated the occasion of officially joining the
Climate Week Network, a global coalition dedicated to enhancing city-led climate efforts. The programming encompassed a wide array of environmental challenges and solutions, including discussions on endangered species, sea-level rise, clean energy, water conservation, and coastal ecosystems. Events seamlessly combined expert discussions, workshops, and hands-on activities, effectively bridging the gap between climate science and everyday life.
Key participants included local governments and educational institutions, with cities like
Jacksonville,
Orlando,
St. Petersburg, and
Fort Lauderdale playing vital roles.
Florida Gulf Coast University also joined as an Official University Partner, enriching the week’s offerings.
Through its extensive programming, both statewide and online, Florida Climate Week successfully connected participants with experts and local organizations while providing resources to strengthen community resilience. The wide participation and expanded geographic scope reinforced the value of collaboration among residents, institutions, and local leaders in advancing effective climate solutions.
About Florida Climate Week
Presented by the
VoLo Foundation, Florida Climate Week serves as a significant statewide initiative that unites residents, local governments, universities, nonprofits, businesses, scientists, educators, and community leaders to explore Florida's changing climate while advancing practical solutions. The initiative's free statewide and online events aim to educate residents and provide the resources needed for strengthening community resilience against climate impacts.
About VoLo Foundation
The
VoLo Foundation is a private nonprofit focused on accelerating global change through science-based climate solutions, improving education, and enhancing health. For further insights and resources, please visit
volofoundation.org.
For media inquiries,
Carlos Roa, Senior Press and PR Director at VoLo Foundation, can be reached at (786) 277 7566 or
[email protected].