What does climate-smart living look like in Florida?

It means adopting everyday habits, like the way residents use water and energy at home, make food choices and how they care for their landscapes, which are all guided by climate science and designed to reduce environmental impact.

That approach is at the heart of Climate Smart Floridians, a free, six-week statewide lunch-and-learn series on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. beginning Jan. 27. Led by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agents in Monroe, Brevard, Hillsborough, Pasco, Escambia counties and a statewide specialist from the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center, the program is virtual, via Zoom, making it easy for residents across Florida to learn how practical choices can add up to meaningful and beneficial climate outcomes for people and communities.

Designed for the public, sustainability professionals, government staff and educators, the program is open to anyone interested in understanding how individual actions connect to Florida’s changing climate.

Participants can choose to attend one or more of the weekly session topics by registering with this link. Weekly takeaways include:

• Jan. 27 - Climate Change 101 Build a clear foundation by learning the basic science behind climate change and why Florida is especially vulnerable.

• Feb. 3 - Energy & Green Building Discover ways to improve energy efficiency at home and learn core green building principles that save money and reduce emissions.
• Feb. 10 - Water Explore Florida’s water resources, the energy required to deliver water, and simple conservation practices that make a difference.
• Feb. 17 - Food Learn about your “foodprint,” including how food choices and waste contribute to emissions — and how to reduce them.
• Feb. 24 - Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Understand how climate-smart landscaping supports water conservation, ecosystem health and resilience.
• Mar. 3 - Consumption & Waste Discuss practical strategies for reducing household and community waste through mindful consumption.

The Climate Smart Floridians program was developed by UF’s Florida Sea Grant Climate Work Action Team to increase climate literacy and help reduce household-level greenhouse gas emissions. Modeled after the successful Climate Masters programs in Nebraska and Oregon, the program focuses on research-based education and empowers participants to become informed ambassadors who can reduce household expenses, lower environmental impacts and strengthen community resilience.