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Resolution 258-2019 RESOLUTION NO. 258 —2019 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA FOR RECIEVING OF THE CLIMATE CHANGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMENDATIONS. WHEREAS, Monroe County, Florida, encompasses the uniquely beautiful natural environment of the Florida Keys;and WHEREAS, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners is dedicated to preservation of the natural environment,conservation of energy and natural resources, encouraging residents and visitors to be good stewards of the environment; and WHEREAS, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners has made environmental stewardship a priority by embracing the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact, the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, the ICLEI process for developing a Climate Action Plan, and by forming advisory committees including the Monroe County Climate Change Advisory Committee; and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners,upon recommendation by the Climate Change Advisory Committee, Monroe County sustainability office, and UF/IFAS Monroe County Extension Service,established a target goal for the county to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and associated energy costs for county operations 40% below 2012 levels by 2030 relative to the 2012 baseline inventory;and WHEREAS, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners formally established a building standard for public buildings pursuant to Florida Statute§255.2575;and; WHEREAS, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners formally established the Climate Change Advisory Committee and in 2013 the committee completed a Monroe County Climate Action Plan which staff reviewed; and WHEREAS, the Climate Action Plan presented by the Climate Change Advisory Committee was approved and adopted by the Monroe County Board of Commissioners on September 17, 2013; and WHEREAS, continuing the County's commitment to embrace the conservation and sustainability of Monroe County and its resources, in June of 2016 Monroe County adopted the County's official action plan otherwise known as the GreenKeys Sustainability Action Plan, which identifies the County's vulnerabilities to sea level rise and climate change—and provides a comprehensive 5-year roadmap on how best to proactively deal with these issues that likely will worsen in the future; and WHEREAS, the Climate Change Advisory Committee, building upon the recommendations put forth in the Committee's 2013 Climate Action, desires to present 1 additional recommendations for review by appropriate county staff for compatibility with Monroe County's Green Keys Sustainability Action Plan; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA: Section I. The Board acknowledges receipt of the Monroe County Climate Change Committee recommendations,attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit "A", and directs County staff to review them for consistency with the previously adopted actions of the Commission. Section 2. The Board directs staff to determine which of these recommendations should be used for the development and implementation of future climate initiatives. PASSED AND ACCEPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, at a meeting of said Board held on the 18th day of September, 2019. Mayor Sylvia Murphy Yes Mayor Pro Tem Danny Kolhage Yes '' ;' + Commissioner David Rice Yes / �� Commissioner Heather Carruthers Yes f 1 . Commissioner Michelle Coldiron Yes -: BOARD OF COUNTY ""- ` ,,' COMMISSIONERS or e t: KEVIN MADOK,Clerk OF MONRO - COUNTY, FL By G7'1 By Deputy Clerk Mayor 3 c.,. o � _ OE CO A •.. r om P}10YED : CD � <i iNaON C PEDRO.Y MERCADO ?� -v: x2 ASSISTANT COUNTY A •RN a .-) = : h < .e 2i. e 1 2-C7 --Ti r.. 2 Monroe County Cimimate Actmion an .. y ro � r�A Ath' x+ ' c x OF I As Extension UNIVER5ITYaf FLORIDA Prepared by the Monroe County Climate Change © ' Advisory Committee ACKNOWLEGEMENTS Developed and prepared by the Monroe County Climate Change Advisory Committee- March, 2013 Updated August, 2019. This Monroe County Climate Action Plan is the result of true collaboration - this document and its supporting publications are the product of resources from various individuals and agencies. No additional public dollars were dedicated to this effort. The Monroe County Climate Change Advisory Committee and support staff came together with purpose and realized the value of sharing resources, expertise and information. Challenges became successes. Many have contributed to the process and this document. The committee members and advisory staff are recognized here. 2019 MEMBERS: Vicki Boguszewski MPH, Chairperson Lisa Kaul, Vice-Chairperson Jerry W. Lieberman, Jr Michael Larson Natalia Duke Caroline Horn Valsin Marmillion Robert Glazer Jerry Lorenz Ed Russo ADVISORY REPRESENTATIVES: Michelle Robinson, Monroe County TJ Patterson, FL Keys Electric Cooperative Julie Cheon, Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority Alison Higgins, City of Key West Chris Bergh, The Nature Conservancy LEAD STAFF Alicia Betancourt, University of Florida IFAS, Monroe County Extension Director Kelsey Shannon, OF-IFAS Intern TABLE OF CONTENTS I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................................................4 A. OVERVIEW...................................................................................................................................................................4 IL LOCAL ACTIONS AND POLICIES FOR ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE VARIABILITY................................5 A. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................................................5 B. THE KEYS'STRONGEST ASSET:ECOSYSTEM VALUES............................................................................................... 7 C. THE POLICY CONTEXT OF CLIMATE PLANNING.......................................................................................................9 DefiningVulnerability and Risk..........................................................................................................................................9 Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact.........................................................................................................10 MonroeCounty ...............................................................................................................................................................10 D. PURPOSE, SCOPE AND PROCESS............................................................................................................................. 11 Purpose...........................................................................................................................................................................11 Scope..............................................................................................................................................................................11 Process ...........................................................................................................................................................................12 III. THE SCIENCE AND DATA ...................................................................................................................................13 A. CLIMATE SCIENCE.................................................................................................................................................... 13 CO2and Temperature......................................................................................................................................................14 Sea Level Rise(SLR)and the Effects of the Florida Current................................................................................................15 SaltWater Intrusion.........................................................................................................................................................16 Severity of Storms and Rainfall Patterns............................................................................................................................16 B. CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS.................................................................................................................................... 17 Public Health Impact Assessment and Vulnerability ...........................................................................................................18 EconomicImpacts ...........................................................................................................................................................20 TourismImpacts..............................................................................................................................................................21 IV. PRIORITY RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................................................................................22 V. CLIMATE ACTION PLAN GOALS&ACTION ITEMS............................................................................................23 LEADERSHIP.....................................................................................................................................................................23 IDENTIFY AND MONITOR RISKS& VULNERABILITIES.....................................................................................................24 EDUCATION AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT..................................................................................................................25 NATURALSYSTEMS...........................................................................................................................................................27 BUILT ENVIRONMENT.......................................................................................................................................................32 WATER RESOURCES& WASTEWATER..............................................................................................................................37 RENEWABLEENERGY......................................................................................................................................................40 SOLIDWASTE&RECYCLING...........................................................................................................................................41 TRANSPORTATION............................................................................................................................................................43 PUBLIC HEALTH...............................................................................................................................................................45 APPENDIX A: COMPLETED ACTION ITEMS.................................................................................................................48 APPENDIX B: POLICY ACTION ITEMS..........................................................................................................................50 APPENDIX C:ALL ACTION ITEMS................................................................................................................................51 3 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A.OVERVIEW Welcome to the Monroe County Climate Action involving subject matter experts and stakeholders Plan 2.0 (MCAP2). The Monroe County Climate from public and private sectors, universities and Change Advisory Committee (CCAC), in not-for-profit organizations. These stakeholders coordination with OF IFAS Extension and Monroe brought subject area knowledge as well as County staff, developed the Monroe County Climate information on successful initiatives already Action Plan (MCAP) through a collaborative effort in underway. Many of the recommendations build 2013. This document was a critical milestone of the upon best practices throughout our region. Others CCAC, which was charged with the development of delve into new areas which call for the integration of climate-related recommendations for the Monroe climate change into planning and decision-making County Board of Commissioners. The MCAP set processes in ways that few local governments have forth a 5-year plan, to be reviewed at the end of the yet implemented. term. The MCAP 2.0 documents the current state of climate change. The Committee reviewed the progress made in the original document noting the There are 84 action items detailed in the plan's 10 goals that have been achieved and areas where focus areas to be accomplished over the next 5 progress could be made. Research was conducted years, with annual reports to mark progress. The on additional environmental concerns for the county recommendations will be implemented through and community in order to revise the original several approaches including: document and set forth additional action items for Monroe County. The recommendations presented • The development of policy guiding documents by here accomplish those goals while also serving to local governing bodies; protect Monroe County's unique quality of life and . The development of operational guidance economy, guide future investments, and foster documents; livable, sustainable and resilient communities. • The development of consistent goals and measures throughout the various governments in The Committee has united best practices with the County; current climate science, staff reports, and data • A coordinated multi-disciplinary outreach and obtained through projects recommended in the education MCAP to provide the revision of the Climate Action program; and Plan. The Plan calls for concerted action in further reducing greenhouse gas emissions and • Processes for Every organization in anticipating and adapting to local impacts of a focused and the region has a role to changing climate. The plan provides steps to move prioritized play in making Monroe towards resiliency and reduce emissions by investments. County a resilient and exploring alternative policies and practices. It sustainable community. creates a platform for public outreach and public policy development to effectively communicate the The objective is to steps from risk to resiliency with the general public, integrate climate voters, elected officials and decision makers in adaptation and mitigation into existing systems and Monroe County, Florida. build on the developed plan that can be implemented through local organizations. It provides the integrated framework for a more The recommendations put forth in this plan were resilient Monroe County community starting today, developed through a collaborative process for tomorrow, and into the future. 4 II. LOCAL ACTIONS AND POLICIES FOR ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE VARIABILITY A.INTRODUCTION The Florida Keys are on the front lines of climate dramatic and are already being witnessed through change impacts such as sea level rise and increases in the melting of Arctic sea ice, an increased hurricane intensity. While greenhouse expansion of the tropical zone, and the rate of sea gas emissions produced within the Monroe County level rise caused by melting glaciers, the heating region constitute only a small percentage of (thermal expansion) of the oceans and melting ice national and global quantities, Monroe County, sheets in Greenland and Antarctica. In the last 100 because of its unique vulnerabilities to sea-level years, there has been an increase of approximately rise and our international presence as a premier 11-inches for the annual mean sea level here in tourist destination, has an opportunity to south Florida. It is predicted that sea levels will rise demonstrate leadership on this global issue through 6-12 inches by 2030 and 14 to 34 inches by 2060 continued critical policies, practices and depending on the carbon emissions scenario'. In investments that will continue reductions addition, the rate of global sea level rise has been greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and prepare us accelerating, rather than increasing steadily, which for the unavoidable impacts of climate change. We has the potential to double the total projected sea clearly have the most to lose. If sea-level rise is not level rise when compared to projections that addressed, the Florida Keys may eventually assume a constant rate2. become unlivable. Numerous estimates of future sea-levels have been s 4�► made on both global and regional scales with regional South Florida planning guidance available from a research paper on sea level rise projections �* developed by the Sea Level Rise Technical Ad Hoc Working Group of the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Compact entitled Unified Sea Level Rise Projection. The projection was an integration of similar analyses recently conducted by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the South Florida Water Management District, Miami-Dade Climate Change Task Force Science and Technology Committee, Figure 1.Flooding in Key Largo R.Haag Broward County Climate Change Task Force The burning of fossil fuels and deforestation are Science and Technical Subcommittee and Florida causing an increase in greenhouse gases in the Atlantic University. Earth's atmosphere. There is consensus among climatology scientists that this is driving 1 Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact Sea Level Rise unprecedented climate change. Post-industrial Work Group (Compact). October 2015. Unified Sea Level Rise human activity has cumulatively created an Projection for Southeast Florida. A document prepared for the unprecedented negative impact on global climate Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact Steering processes resulting in accelerated changes in Committee.35 p. climate change patterns that could threaten the future security and stability of sovereign nations z https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2680/new-study-finds-sea- and human society. The consequences are level-rise-accelerating/ 5 Given the overwhelming consensus that SOUTHEAST FLORIDA anthropogenic or "man-made" greenhouse gas 'w emissions are contributing to global climate ■� �-` y " ' ® 1 change, Monroe County is joining an increasing number of local governments committed to CLIAMTE addressing climate change at the local level. The County recognizes the risk that climate change CHANGE poses to its constituents and is acting now to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, or "carbon footprint", of both its government operations and the community at-large through the Planning decisions for future public and private innovative programs laid out in the original, and this projects and adaptation efforts must continue to revised Climate Action Plan. Ultimately, local action recognize the need to address sea-level rise. The is needed to continue reductions in Monroe current local and regional sea-level rise projections County's contribution toward the problem of climate only account for the loss of ice from ice sheets and change and adapt to its current and future effects. glaciers that has already occurred, however they do not account for the acceleration in future ice-sheet melting. Therefore, we should consider current estimates to be conservative and optimistic. Planning decisions should continue to take into consideration the highest sea level rise predictions. The long-term costs of having to implement adaptation measures intended to help cope with climate change impacts due to inaction and the �� subsequent negative consequences to the economy, social structure and environment make it necessary to continue and update mitigation actions now to avoid or minimize long-term adaptation costs; even though mitigation may be costly in the short-term. We still have a chance now to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. As we act effectively, we should be able to limit both the magnitude of climate change and the severity of This Climate Action Plan takes advantage of its impacts. The two major approaches to successes from the initial plan, common-sense addressing the potential negative aspects of approaches, and cutting edge policies that our local climate change are mitigation and adaptation. government is uniquely positioned to implement to Mitigation involves actions to reduce GHG engage, and partner with local private sector emissions to reduce the amount and speed of interests on actions that can reduce energy use and climate change. Adaptation involves actions to waste, create local jobs, improve air quality, reduce the impacts of climate change on existing preserve our local landscape and history, and in society and the environment. Both mitigation and many other ways benefit Monroe County for years adaptation strategies are contained within this to come. document. 6 B.THE KEYS' STRONGEST ASSET: ECOSYSTEM VALUE In researching the four most important factors for While addressing natural threats, it is also adapting to climate change, the Florida Keys are important to provide information about positive found to host all and more of the natural resources benefits gained with an actionable adaptation plan. that provide sustenance and quality of life. Growing evidence suggests the correlation of negative news associated with sea level rise and major storm events to stigma, which can undermine According to a study by the PEW Charitable Trusts, the future well-being of a community. Evidence that "mangrove, seagrass, salt marshes, and coral reefs actions are being taken to reduce risk and sustain ocean life and help mitigate climate vulnerability in a region undermine negative change." The Keys' best defense will be multiple perception and limit the impact of such stigma. lines of offense, taking advantage of unrivaled natural resources that, if utilized appropriately, will extend the viability of the Keys for generations to Monroe County has strived to prepare for these come. changes by adopting an Energy and Climate element within the Comprehensive Plan including the identification of Adaptation Action Areas (M- 2.1). When thinking about a sustainable future, the questions we ask about utilizing the strengths and natural assets of our Government alone cannot sustain the economy of ecosystem will provide the answers for Monroe County but acting in concert with its designing a strong and viable Florida Keys. citizens and the private sector, government can prepare for the new normal. This can build confidence through policy and practice that investments will be sound and that communities will prosper in the future by adapting to the change at Resiliency is the ability to bounce back from hand. The benefits of building with nature and living disasters. Adaptation is accepting a "new normal" with water will sustain the environment and yield and in this case, defining advanced solutions for personal and economic dividends to the residents building with nature and living with water. It is a of the Keys. given that sea level rise will upset traditions and norms. What is not known is if communities will choose to be reactive or proactive in adapting to the Sustaining the natural environment to support a new norm. With known data demonstrating strong economy is not a new idea. After trial and increasing risk and vulnerability, waiting to react will error, the Dutch have been implementing this be costly and the path of highest risk of exposure to concept with success for decades. If anything, over loss of living standards. The challenges posed by time our complacency about how the natural rising seas and dramatic storm events are environment connects to economic progress may substantial. Adaptation strategies should be have allowed for letting down our guarding of considered to sustain natural resources to support natural assets. social, economic, and environmental assets. When thinking about a sustainable future, the questions we ask about utilizing the strengths and natural Early work by the America's WETLAND Foundation assets of our ecosystem will provide the answers (AWF) along the Gulf Coast demonstrated a need for designing a strong and viable Florida Keys. for resiliency following major hurricane events. The Foundation reported that without attention to building with nature and living with water, local and state finances that sustain built infrastructure will be 7 stressed. This led to research on how the private Align and integrate disaster preparedness sector, operating in concert with the public sector, and communications plans with an can change to meet the new normal demands and adaptation plan. respond and adapt to ensure a strong economic future. The concept of "Adapt & Do" arrives at a time when hundreds of resiliency reports lead up to Moving from planning to action is of utmost the point of implementation but stop short of real importance. Tens of millions of dollars nationally action. The opportunity is to digest findings and have gone into resiliency planning but the need for move to adaption solutions and action. island communities is for timely adaption actions that focus on implementing sound strategies. These solutions can take the form of demonstration Keys residents have a real opportunity to adapt to projects because what we learn in the Keys will be change as pro-active agents to meet island of value beyond our region. As early adaptors of community challenges. Adaptation criteria corrective actions, we respond to two critical needs: developed by the AWF through a Sea Safe we signal we are establishing a foundation for Community adaptation program offers a glimpse future economic growth and attract global attention into actions that play to coastal community to the physical demonstrations of projects that will strengths. They include: assume a leading role on the front lines of sea level rise. Both of these outcomes speak to more • Create a Sea Safe community plan with prosperous opportunities in the face of historic public and private strategies and challenges. generational timelines as a guide incorporating known sea level predictions. Assuming a leadership role will elevate the actions Apply soft and hard engineering solutions taken by Keys communities in the global • conversation, bringing greater opportunities for for water storage, capture, and storm water grants, funding and partnerships and adding to the collection and removal. positive brand reputation of our island communities. • Enhance economic value through water integration in parks, recreational areas, low- lying areas, and mixed-use developments. • Grow coastal assets and protection through o•_ beach sand nourishment, the establishment and/or expansion of dunes/berms, planting of native grasses and plants. • Lead in adaptation development - adaptive �� homes in water communities; green roofs and walls, raised housing, water integrated neighborhoods, and canopy expansion. �., • Develop private storm and housing assets 4 ,� around water and the sun including, solar This demonstration of public/private will is, in part, power, storm windows, building foundations, the solution to reducing risk and strengthening the elevations and water sinks. economy for the long run. 8 C.THE POLICY CONTEXT OF CLIMATE PLANNING Defining Vulnerability and Risk sea level rise, development, lack of political will, and lack of conservation funding. The terms vulnerability and risk are often used to describe the potential adverse effects of climate Risk is the potential for consequences where change on ecosystems, infrastructure, economic something of value is at stake and where the sectors, social groups, communities and regions. outcome is uncertain. Risk is often represented as Vulnerability to climate change is the degree to a probability of occurrence of hazardous events or which a system is susceptible to, and unable to trends multiplied by the impacts if these events cope with, adverse effects of climate change, occur. Risk results from the interaction of including climate variability and extremes. vulnerability and hazard. Vulnerability is a function of the character, magnitude and rate of climate change and variation CONSEQUENCES to which a system is exposed, its sensitivity and its adaptive capacity. " `''' AIMS! 'HIGH certain RISK Vulnerability - Review J Likely m Q m Unlikely 3- Low Rare RISK Figure 3-RiskProbabilitr Monroe County will take advantage of all available tools and resources to complete the task of determining where the impacts of climate change first occur, and what should be done to assure sustainability. The assessment of climatic vulnerability requires the identification of vulnerability of To assist in making planning decisions, the County something/someone to a potential climatic event has undertaken actions to identify vulnerable areas within a specific time period. Assessing vulnerability and risks. These include improved analysis and does not necessarily mean calculating a specific mapping capabilities for identifying areas at risk in number, but rather describing a situation or a the County that are vulnerable to sea level rise by condition through a certain number of factors or utilizing the most recent LiDAR data; encouraging elements related to its characteristics. dedicated state and federal funding sources for reoccurring and continued development of local integrated modeling efforts and continuous data A hazard is any biological, chemical, mechanical, gathering; and collaborating with adjacent counties environmental or physical agent that is reasonably to establish an integrated network of early warning likely to cause harm or damage to humans, other signs that track long-term changes across the organisms, or the environment in the absence of its Southeast Florida region. control. Examples of hazards in climate change adaptation planning include flooding, fire, drought, 9 Southeast Florida Regional Climate transportation. In December 2017 RCAP 2.0 was Change Compact released to reflect on the implemented actions taken during the first 5 years of the RCAP to create an online tool for each community member to build The Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change their own customized implementation plan to Compact was signed by Broward, Miami-Dade, combat climate change. Monroe, and Palm Beach Counties in January 2010 to coordinate climate mitigation and adaptation activities across county lines. The Compact Monroe County represents a new form of regional climate governance designed to allow local governments to set the agenda for adaptation while providing an Independent of the efficient means for state and federal agencies to Southeast FloridacJ'� engage with technical assistance and support. The Regional Climate Compact calls for the Counties to work Change Compact, cooperatively to: Monroe County ' ' adopted the MCAP 1) Develop annual Legislative Programs and jointly advocate for in 2013 with the ^ state and federal help of OF-IFAS Mi Extension. They also adopted the Green Keys policies and funding; Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) in 2016. The �; " �� ! K Sustainability Action Plan includes a 5-year 2) Dedicate staff implementation guide for many of the actions time and identified in this plan. SAP recommendations that resources to correspond to action items in this plan are identified create a in each section by `SAP##'. The list of completed Southeast actions contained in Appendix A demonstrates the Florida Regional commitment of the Monroe County Board of County Climate Action Commission in addressing climate change Plan to include challenges. mitigation and adaptation strategies Although the county has achieved several of the 3) Meet annually goals set forth in the MCAP, it must continue to in Regional progress forward at an Climate Summits Figure 4-Regional Climate Action Plan increasing rate to achieve the remaining goals in the Aproactive to mark progress MCAP, the new goals listed instead ofa and identify emerging issues. in the MCAP 2.0 and the reactive The Compact has been recognized locally, goals encompassing all approach nationally and internationally for their work with sectors of the community in must be taken. various organizations to develop the Southeast the SAP. In order to achieve Florida Regional Climate Action Plan (RCAP) which the goals, set forth by these was finalized in October 2012. The RCAP put documents and create a sustainable community in projects in motion such as the Adaptation Action the Florida Keys, a proactive instead of a reactive Area pilot project in Ft. Lauderdale and the approach must be taken. redevelopment of the streets of South Beach to prepare for sea level rise and promote alternative 10 D.PURPOSE, SCOPE AND PROCESS reduction in GHG emissions of 40% below 2012 Purpose emission levels by 2030. The most recent greenhouse gas inventory can be found within the The purpose of the Monroe County Climate Action 10 Year Regional Greenhouse Gas Inventory. Plan (MCAP) is to outline a course of action for the County government and communities of Monroe AA County for a coordinated countywide strategy to minimize climate change impacts and to increase F Residential Energy the sustainability of the communities within the Florida Keys. The release of the original MCAP called for the county to mitigate future impacts by YJ Transportation reducing community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 and to Commercial IF identify local adaptation needs for protection Energy against future sea level rise. Impressively, this goal was achieved well ahead of schedule, and as a — result the county adopted a new resolution in 2016, setting a goal to reduce emissions by 40% of the ,� �� levels found in 2012 by 2030. With this new goal in mind, the MCAP 2.0 has been designed to support Industrial Energy four primary functions: Figure 5. 2005-2015 Average Emissions by Sector 1. To work with the Sustainability Office of Monroe County to implement the Scope recommendations put forth in this document and the Sustainability Action Plan (SAP); This Plan covers goals and strategies for GHG 2. Provide clear guidance to County staff emissions resulting from local government and regarding when and how to implement key community-wide activities within the County. It provisions of the plan; addresses the major sources of emissions in 3. Inspire residents and businesses to Monroe County, Florida and sets forth goals and participate in community efforts to address strategies in 10 focus areas that both the County climate change issues; and and community can implement together to achieve 4. Demonstrate Monroe County's commitment greenhouse gas reductions: to climate change mitigation and adaptation. 1. Leadership (L)* The climate action plan seeks to reduce GHG 2. Identify and Monitor Risks and emissions and adopt mitigation and adaptation Vulnerabilities (M) strategies in municipal and community-wide 3. Education and Business Development (E) activities. GHG reductions and climate strategies 4. Natural Systems (N) will be achieved in the areas of building and 5. Built Environment (B) community energy use, waste diversion, water 6. Water and Waste Water (W) conservation, natural areas, and transportation. 7. Renewable Energy (R) The plan contains strategies, objectives, measures, 8. Solid Waste and Recycling (S) and actions that will direct the County's efforts by 9. Transportation (T) creating a clear course of action so that everyone 10. Public Health (H) can have a role in creating and achieving climate and sustainability goals. This Climate Action Plan New scope in this revision of the MCAP drives and coordinates local efforts toward a 11 Process The Monroe County Climate Action plan took climate change. It provides guidance for decision- several years to develop and includes input from makers as well as for county employees, residents, County and community advisory groups, local and business owners. With 165 recommendations leaders, stakeholders and staff. The plan also and a 5-year work plan, GreenKeys! Sustainability creates a framework for documenting, coordinating, Action Plan (SAP) is a blueprint for increased measuring, and adapting efforts moving forward. sustainability and resilience to climate change. Implimentation of this plan will occor in two ways. GreenKeys! contains six focus areas aligned with First, individual actions items will be brought county priorities for future planning and project forward for board approval by staff, committee or implementation: elected leaders. Secondly some action items in this plan will be moved forward into the Sustainability 1. Government Operations Action Plan's 5-year work plan. 2. Climate & Energy 3. Natural Systems 4. Built Environment GreenKeys! Sustainability Action Plan is Monroe 5. Health & Safety County's plan for addressing both sustainability and 6. Education, Arts & Community NotesProject GreenKeys Recommendations Mobile ._ - .- - - . data countywide for ._. and vulnerability Develop geographic database for floodingR Through NOAA Grant TargetGHG Reduction Objective Adaptation Action Areas Criteria 1-31 Developed by CCAC ThroughPilot Roads Project 1-19&2-36 In design wl previous Interim Design Resolution Increase coastal hazard technical and policy 1-33 •• Ongoing in partnership understanding Address ■_ In Annual Budget • a coordination Coordination • Legislative Agendacoordination • through Compact Update Facilities Vulnerability Assessments 2-17&2-31 Bayshore Manor, Harry Harris ■Ongoing Conduct additional study of Freeboard 2-18 Ongoing mitigationBetter link and • ■ Ongoing redevelopment Shoreliner • Database of elevation for County and utility assets 3-17 Ongoing Figure 6-Example of projects under the Green Keys Sustainability Action Plan Source:Erin Deady 12 III. THE SCIENCE AND DATA The CCAC determined early in the process that three types of information would be helpful to guide their recommendations. These include 1) a projection of sea level rise that might be anticipated over time in Southeast Florida, 2) a communitywide greenhouse gas inventory to understand the main sources of greenhouse emissions in Monroe County and 3) an analysis of the County's vulnerability to sea level rise should no action be taken to address sea level rise. A.CLIMATE SCIENCE The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)'s Special Report Global Warming of 1.5°C released in 2018 affirms that, "Human activities are estimated to have caused approximately 1.0°C of global warming above pre-industrial levels. Global warming is likely to reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase at the current rate."3 The increase in number of hot days each year is projected to have the highest increases in the tropics, propelling the loss of coastal resources including fisheries and coral communities. The IPCC report also concluded that reducing carbon emissions to net zero CO2 emissions and net negative emissions can prevent further warming as well as reduce ocean acidification and minimize sea level rise (SLR). It is well known that the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation are causing an increase in CO2 emissions escalating global temperatures and driving the unprecedented rate of climate change. It is also well accepted that the increase in global temperatures is resulting in sea level rise from melting glaciers and ice sheets, however, there are additional significant factors attributing to sea level rise. It has been estimated that approximately 50% of SLR comes from thermal expansion of the oceans, approximately 25% is a result of melting ice sheets and glaciers, and the remaining 25% is attributed to groundwater depletion and altered land use 4 5. The majority of water released from aquafers for human consumption (groundwater depletion) ultimately ends up in the worlds ocean's through continental runoff 6 from agriculture, waste water, and stormwater structures. In addition, the reduction in the size of lakes and wetland habitats reduces the amount of water that is able to be stored on land resulting in further continental runoff. Whereas, increasing surface water storage through small reservoirs, dams, preserving wetland habitats, and reducing fresh water consumption detracts from sea level rise. 31PCC, 2018: Global warming of 1.5°C. An IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty [V. Masson-Delmotte, P. Zhai, H. O. Portner, D. Roberts, J. Skea, P.R. Shukla, A. Pirani, W. Moufouma-Okia, C. Pean, R. Pidcock,S.Connors,J. B. R. Matthews,Y.Chen,X.Zhou, M. 1. Gomis, E. Lonnoy,T. Maycock, M.Tignor,T.Waterfield (eds.)].In Press. a IPCC, 2013:Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Stocker,T.F., D. Qin, G.-K. Plattner, M. Tignor,S.K. Allen,J. Boschung, A. Nauels,Y.Xia, V. Bex and P.M.Midgley(eds.)].Cambridge University Press,Cambridge,United Kingdom and New York,NY,USA,1535 pp. 5 Wada, Y.,Beek, L. P. H.,Sperna Weiland, F. C.,Chao, B. F.,Wu, Y.-H., and Bierkens, M. F. P.(2012),Past and future contribution of global groundwater depletion to sea-level rise,Geophys. Res. Lett.,39,L09402,doi:10.1029/2012GL051230 e Yoshihide Wada, Ludovicus P. H.van Beek, Cheryl M.van Kempen,Josef W.T. M. Reckman,Slavek Vasak, and Marc F. P. Bierkens. 2010. Global Depletion of Groundwater Resources.Geophysical research Letters,Vol.37 L20402,doi:10.1029/2010GL044571 13 Reducing carbon emissions and sea level rise will rely heavily on the acceleration of implementing adaptation and mitigation strategies regulating land use, energy, and infrastructure including both transportation and buildings.4 Additionally, Vermeer and Rahmstorf concluded that acting early in this century will be much more effective in limiting sea-level rise than reductions later on.7 The long-term costs of implementing adaptation requirements due to inaction or too little action today and the subsequent negative consequences to the economy and social structure make it necessary to implement mitigation and adaptation actions now to prevent or minimize these long-term costs; even while recognizing it may be costlier in the short-term. Unusual droughts, Arctic sea ice disappearance, complete melting of the surface of the Greenland ice sheet and glacial discharges from Greenland and Antarctica are unprecedented events that indicate we are already witnessing the initial disruptive effects of climate change. CO2 and Temperature Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels now exceed 403 parts per million, greater than any time in the past 350,000 years. In comparison, this statistic was 390 += parts per million in 2013 when the MCAP was developed. Each year since 2001 global CO2 • �`"� ' emissions have increased with the exception of 2008 and 2009 (NOAA 2016b). CO2 and temperature increase concurrently. Annual temperatures are increasing locally and globally. Globally, since 2000, we have experienced the 10 warmest years on record. " -- ------ The data collected by NOAA also shows that temperature data from Key West corresponds with the overall global increases in temperature with 2011 and __...M. 2015 having the highest recorded annual temperatures on record. i lanes in CO2(blue)and 3cnrlxrntEzrc(rcci)for past 3Sta.+i : , The increase in air temperatures due to greenhouse Figure 7-Temp and c02Correlation gas emissions has also increased the sea surface temperature. High sea surface temperatures have caused glacial melting and thermal expansion, augmenting sea level rise at an increased rate. Warmer sea temperatures cause coral bleaching and die offs (Abrego et. al 2008, Donner et. al. 2007). Coral reefs in the Florida Keys experienced back to back years of coral bleaching during the summer months of 2014 and 2015 as water temperatures exceeded the threshold tolerable by our reef species (Eakin et al 2016). re=x,pe,.cvrr n nerc„,r Additionally, it has been shown that an r. p,s- AnnuAi U:sn individual coral reef can act as a carbon s,nsru an sink or source, and coastal reefs often act ° as sources of CO2, however this is a result of terrestrial and human influences affecting those reefs found on the coast (Suzuki and Kawahata 2003). Therefore, reducing CO2 locally can reduce the 'in 1444 1;10 14+0 140 +vad r000 excess carbon in coastal waters and 1llnual and .:. :I\C,a_"2 �'l"b.d '1111,oSpheric temperature trend in potentially allow coastal reefs to act as a dc�rcc,'C cl' us. Figure 8-Global Temp Vermeer,M.and S.Rahmstorf.2009.Global sea level linked to global temperature.PNAS 106(5):21527-21532 14 carbon sink instead of a source of atmospheric CO2. Monroe County has taken the initial steps to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by meeting their goal of a 20% reduction below 2005 levels by 2020, however the county must take further actions to meet the next goal of a reduction of 40% below 2012 levels by 2030. Expanding this goal even further to become a net zero CO2 emission community would increase the potential of turning our coastal reefs into a carbon sink as well as reducing global temperature increases, greatly improving the habitat for fisheries and the Keys economy. Sea Level Rise (SLR) and the Effects of the Florida Current Tide gauges in Key 8 8 - — — West have Shown Annual Mean Water Level at Key West 'Annual Mean Water Level at Key West, Harbor1913-2016 7 Harbor2000-2015 l that the annual S 4 s s mean sea level has G z `IC}I c 5 been on the rise for Z� o r tI 1��L'}�Il.iri f°°11Illlli I f 'Ir more than 100 � -z S 4 v=a.3izzeo.sras years; to be c -4 I 3C 3 R .0 ;8 99 ' m y=0.0963x-7.4095 ql°"n SLR n specific, 11 inches g -6 Rx=0.8905 in the last century. -8 0 IF To be more -10 SpeCIfIC f 5 of those '' " M a r ° `° °° �° ° ° o a o 0 0 0 0 o a m C. .n M a' O 47 .�, n GafL G° ^i O p .y N NI a n LL1 r. OG a a a a 0 a O a a Q N ++ .y .� .ti 11 inches have �' A. a, °' Q1 ai N 0 0 o 0 0 0 0 © o o c 0 0 0 0 a a .-, �� .-. .-. ,y .y r., y •y ,y N N N N N N N N N ry N occurred In the last Figure 9-Water Level and SLR 15 years. These findings are of special concern, as the Florida Keys are one of the most vulnerable areas in the U.S. due to the low-lying topography of the islands and the anticipation of South Florida experiencing a faster rate of SLR due to variations in the Florida Currents and Gulf Stream. It is predicted that sea levels will rise by 6-12 inches by 2030 and 14 to 34 inches by 2060 depending on the carbon emissions scenario. These predictions were n, uq,flkdSeauftlIt PMOCUon adopted by the Southeast Florida Climate Change """"°"°'"" "''"°°``h'ng.`ani a""' Compact in 2015 after reviewing scientific literature that r "`aR' u5ACEmfh rear "M wuw�x .1 n=nasV nnrnesi had been released subsequently to the original projections in 2011. 4 7" 1 '° lr yQ .. ocu sa rc is riro xs sr si An additional threat to the Florida Keys comes from the Florida Current, which is the headwater for the Gulf fi"~ Stream, and directly effects sea levels along coasts in the Florida Straits, Florida Bay and along the Atlantic Coast Line.8 The increase in GHG's has been correlated to a decrease in the flow rate of the ocean Figure 10-SLR Projection 2015 8 Park, J. and W. Sweet. 2015. Accelerated sea level rise and Florida Current transport. Ocean Science, 11,607-615. www.ocean- sci.net/11/607/2015/doi:10.5194/os-11-607-2015 15 currents in the Atlantic Ocean9 including the Gulf Stream and Florida Current. As the Florida Current slows, water backs up in the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay accelerating SLR in the Florida Keys and the Everglades. It is estimated that 58% of the increase in SLR in the last decade found at the tidal gauge located on Vaca Key can be attributed to the weakening of the Florida Current, and 60% of the increase in SLR at the tidal gauge located in Little Madeira Bay in the northeast section of Florida Bay can be attributed to the weakening Florida Current. The Keys are already feeling these effects in the form of King tides. King tides are the highest high tide events during the year when the Sun, Earth and Moon are in alignment and the Moon is at its closest point to the Earth. King tides now cause nuisance flooding or sunny day flooding a couple times a year throughout the Keys. Currently, Monroe County has 144 miles of roads that are subject to flooding during king tides and other high-water events. As sea levels continue to rise, what we experience as king tides today will become the near future's everyday tides. Salt Water Intrusion The increase in SLR leads to salt water intrusion and is Major irrigation Well contarninated well with saltwater exemplified when droughts occur (Prinos 2016). This alters the ecosystem creating a brackish environment that is much less diverse and productive compared to a " w �` water Sea Level freshwater environment. Brackish water communities table _ have less vegetation, lower numbers of prey fish that Fresh Salt are smaller in size which provide food for wading birds groundwater Hater aquifer and prized game fish such as tarpon, redfish and snook (Lorenz and Serafy, 2006). Interface ` Interfaced \' Saltwater Normal Intrusion lrltsrface Salt water intrusion has also led to the contamination of Figure 11-Salt Water Intrusion several well fields where drinking water is accessed from the Biscayne aquifer. Currently, salt water intrusion is not affecting the well field that services the Florida Keys, as the salt water line is located 5 miles away from the well field. As more well fields are contaminated with salt water, affecting the water supply to other regions of South Florida, it will become increasingly difficult to obtain a constant freshwater supply. Severity of Storms and Rainfall Patterns In the wake of Hurricane Irma, the intensity and frequency of hurricanes due to climate change is at the fore front of every mind in the keys. Although it is uncertain if climate change will bolster the number of hurricanes, recent findings have shown that there has been an increase in the intensity of hurricanes in the past several decades (Knutson, 2013). Warmer water temperatures can intensify wind speeds and create more precipitation, as seen during Hurricane Harvey. In addition, any increase in SLR will intensify the impacts of storm surge, as seen with Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Climate change has also altered rainfall patterns creating both drought and flood conditions. In south Florida we normally experience a wet season from June-Nov., and e Solomon,S., D. Qin, M. Manning, Z. Chen, M. Marquis, K.B. Averyt, M. Tignor and H.L. Miller. 2007. Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis,Cambridge University Press,Cambridge U.K.and New York,N.Y.,USA 16 a dry season from Dec.-May, this creates an annual rainfall cycle or hydrologic year starting June 1st and ending May 31st of the following calendar year. The past several years including hydrologic years, 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2017-18 were perfect examples of the alterations in the rainfall patterns; however, the conditions in 2015-16 were the most extreme. During the rainy season of 2015, South Florida experienced a major drought. This drought was followed by a deluge of rainfall in the dry season. The drought caused salinities in Florida Bay to 10 South Florida Monthly Rainfall Pattern rise well above salinities found in the ocean causing major sea 9 —mean --14-15 —15.16 grass die offs in Florida Bay (-40,000 acres). The deluge of 5 Ory Season rain that followed in the dry season of 2015-16 and the wettest May on record since 1895 during the dry season of 2017-18 ii 6 caused excess amounts of water in Lake Okeechobee. T Excess water was then released through the St. Lucie River 4 and Caloosahatchee Rivers. Both the drought and excess 3 water being released from Lake Okeechobee caused intense 2 Wet Season algae blooms killing massive populations of fish and other , - wildlife. a Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Figure 12-Rainfall Patterns &CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS What does all of this mean to residents of Monroe County? Warmer temperatures, drought conditions, and sea level rise all lead to less living corals It is important to and sea grass die offs which leads to less fish, which means less tourists, which Imow what effects are ultimately results in less income to Monroe County. This cycle impacts every expected for the individual person and business in the Keys. The MCAP 2.0 is designed to Florida Keys. provide actions for the BOCC and County staff to mitigate and adapt to these changes to create a sustainable community that can thrive well into the future. Because the impacts of climate change vary geographically, it is important to know what effects are specifically expected for South Florida and the Florida Keys. According to the U.S. Global Change Research Program, the Southeast region of the United States should expect the following impacts from climate change to occur in the coming years'°: • Projected increases in air and water temperatures will cause heat-related stresses for people, plants, and animals. • Decreased water availability is very likely to affect the region's economy as well as its natural systems. • Sea-level rise and the likely increase in hurricane intensity and associated storm surge will be among the most serious consequences of climate change. • Ecological thresholds are likely to be crossed throughout the region, causing major disruptions to ecosystems and to the benefits they provide to people. • Quality of life will be affected by increasing heat stress, water scarcity, severe weather events, and reduced availability of insurance for at-risk properties. Cities and agriculture face increasing risks from a changing climate. to Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States, Thomas R. Karl, Jerry M. Melillo, and Thomas C. Peterson, (eds.). Cambridge University Press,2009.And www.globalchange.gov. 17 Public Health Impact Assessment and Vulnerability In 2014 the Florida Institute for Health Innovation, known as FIHI (formerly the Florida Public Health Institute), published a Health Impact Assessment of the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Compact's Regional Climate Action Plan. Recognized hazards of concern for the region were extreme events, floods, droughts, rising sea levels, and high temperatures. This research identified asthma, respiratory allergies and airway diseases, foodborne disease and nutrition, mental health, vector borne and zoonotic diseases, waterborne and water- related diseases as health conditions of concern for Southeast Florida. The study also found vulnerability to sea level rise to be a hazard of high concern for Monroe. In the United States Department of Health and Human Services' 2014 report, Primary Protection: Enhancing C Li m ate Health Care Resilience for a Changing Climate, the Hazard agency cautions, "extreme events in a setting of climate change may pose the double threat of stress to health care systems, including the buildings, systems and the personnel needed to deliver clinical services, as well as increased health problems in the populations served by S oc i a L MedicaL those systems" (5). Therefore, the Monroe County Risk Risk Adaptation Guide 2015 for the Health Care Community (Boguszewski, 2015), recommends two areas of focus for adaptation efforts within the public health community: Figure 13-Diagram oflntersectofHa:wrd and Risk patient health status and practice preparedness. Source: Monroe County Adaptation Guide 2015 for the Health Care Community In recognizing variability in vulnerability within and across the scope of the County it is important to consider and support targeted localized solutions and a combination of approaches. Mitigating mold in a new home for a young family who has just purchased their first home will be a different experience than for someone who has lived in their home for decades and is experiencing cumulative effects of years of exposure. Health Impacts mold, standing water, air quality, Asthma, COPD, respiratory Respiratory heat stress, infectious disease, allergies, Legionella, respiratory Diseases harmful algae distress from the inhalation of algal toxins salt water intrusion, vector Dehydration, Poisoning, Foodborne associated with exposures to: Diseases and variability for agri-pests, species Salmonella, Shigella, Listeria, Nutrition variability in agricultural and marine Trichinella, Staphylococcus resources aureus, Ciguatera toxin Mental Health and changes to species availability for Post-traumatic stress disorder, Stress-Related economic opportunity, loss anxiety, dementia, depression, Disorders property, loss of life, loss of substance abuse, social economic viability violence Vectorborne and increased ranges, increased Dengue, W. Nile virus, Zikka, Zoonotic Diseases abundance, resistance to controls Chikungunya fever, Lyme disease Waterborne and increased standing water, higher Cholera (Vibrio), Water Related temperatures, decreased quality, Campylobacter, Giardia possible sewage contamination Cryptosporidium, skin related Diseasesam from increased flooding vibrio infections Table 1.Relationship factors of health conditions associated with the identified haiards of climate change:extreme events,floods, high temperatures, drought, and sea level rise 18 The changing elements of our climate manifest in the environment of the human family and result in health impacts and consequences. Therefore, in considering vulnerability and potential adaptation strategies it is essential to consider the social determinants of health, including social and medical vulnerability, in addition to hazard vulnerability. Adaptations may be best targeted to the intersections of such vulnerabilities to achieve efficiency and effectiveness. Direct and Indirect Health Impacts The changing elements of our climate manifest in extreme heat, drought, tidal surge, or the environment of the human family and result in precipitation human health impacts and consequences. • changing air and water temperature ranges are producing new ranges for vector borne diseases, including some tropical diseases Weather-Related Health Impacts can be direct such which are presenting in temperate zones as: . as a result of the expansion of the warming • drowning related to flooding seas, sea level rise is threatening underground • heat strokes related to prolonged periods of freshwater supplies in many coastal extreme high temperatures communities including those in South Florida; • more frequent extreme weather events, such as this type of intrusion can affect water used for algal blooms, are associated with more frequent municipal drinking supplies and more severe asthma attacks the same process also threatens agriculture in • more frequent and more severe extreme South Florida communities by attacking the weather events such as tidal surges, tornadoes, roots of crops planted in the thin layer of muck hurricanes, and super storms are associated covering the limestone rock, which is the with injuries to human beings in addition to foundation for much of the region and allows increased occurrences of both loss of life and sea water to seep far inland property warming seas also cause habitat range • more frequent periods of extreme heat can changes in many species of fish affecting produce greater amounts of unabsorbed economic livelihoods and food creating both cancer-causing UV radiation mental health and nutritional impacts in the human population • waterborne infections such as vibrio and giardia Weather-Related Health Impacts can also be also increase in prevalence in the face of the indirect: increased likelihood of standing water and warmer water temperatures • mental and behavioral stress related to the loss climate change will result in an increase in the of property, loss of economic opportunity, or displacement and upheaval, including frequency and severity of flooding events. homelessness During floods it is common to have sewage • increased prevalence of respiratory diseases overflows which can result contamination of such COPD, asthma, and heart failure are water supplies and flood waters people come in associated with extreme weather events such contact with which can increase the probability as more frequent and longer lasting periods of of skin-related infections. 19 Economic Impacts New research is being done on both the cost of proactive adaptation measures such as shoreline adaptation and the cost of in-action. There will be protection and beach replenishment. economic impacts to the integration of climate risk into decision-making and the implementation of actions. Communities are reporting increasing cost Risks to the Workforce Extreme heat poses a in the areas of financial risk reporting, capital significant risk to human health and labor investment planning, development of engineering productivity in sectors of the economy reliant on standards, military planning, and disaster risk outdoor workers, including agriculture, construction, management. and others. Under the RCP8.5 emissions scenario, almost 2 billion labor hours are projected to be lost annually by 2090 from the impacts of temperature extremes, costing an estimated $160 billion in lost This cost will burden local governments and wages. residents. The 2018 Fourth National Climate (NCA4) Summary Findings show that "People who are already vulnerable, including lower-income and other marginalized communities, have lower Risks and Costs to Natural Environment and capacity to prepare for and cope with extreme Ecosystem Services Climate change has already weather and climate-related events and are had observable impacts on biodiversity and expected to experience greater impacts. Prioritizing ecosystems throughout the United States that are adaptation actions for the most vulnerable expected to continue. Without substantial and populations would contribute to a more equitable sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas future within and across communities. emissions, transformative impacts on some To a much ecosystems will occur. Although some new greater degree than previous assessments, NCA4 opportunities may emerge from ecosystem includes broader quantification of climate change changes, economic and recreational opportunities impacts in the United States in economic terms. and cultural heritage based around historical use of The report is clear: Many extreme weather and species or natural resources in many areas are at climate-related events are expected to become risk. more frequent and more intense as temperatures continue to rise, creating greater risks of infrastructure disruption and failure that can cascade across economic sectors. Those of Of concern to Monroe County are the risks to coral significance to Monroe County include: reefs and the economies they support. Some coral reef ecosystems are already experiencing transformational changes. Warming has led to mass bleaching and/or outbreaks of coral diseases Coastal Risks Along the U.S. coastline, off the coastlines of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin public infrastructure and $1 trillion in national Islands, Florida, Hawaii, and the U.S.-affiliated wealth held in coastal real estate are threatened by Pacific Islands, for example, that threaten reef rising sea levels, higher storm surges, and the ecosystems and the people who depend on them. ongoing increase in high-tide flooding. The Atlantic Under the RCP8.5 emissions scenario, coral reef and Gulf coasts face greater than average risk cover worldwide is projected to decline from the compared with other regions of the country. present level of 38% to 11% in 2050 and to less than 1% by the end of the century. Without adaptation, cumulative damages to coastal property across the contiguous United States could reach $3.6 trillion through 2100. Without adaptation, cumulative damages to coastal property Risks and Costs to Human Health and Well-Being across the contiguous United States could reach Higher temperatures, increasing air quality $3.6 trillion through 2100 under RCP8.5. More than risks, more frequent and intense extreme weather half of damages to coastal property from sea level and climate-related events, increases in coastal rise and flooding are expected to be avoidable by 20 flooding, disruption of ecosystem services, and Local governments are increasingly taking climate other changes increasingly threaten the health and change and SLR into account when doing their own well-being of Americans. Risks will be greater for accounting, including when offering bonds to raise populations that are already vulnerable, such as the money for infrastructure. For example, a recent elderly and lower-income communities. Under article in the Claims Journal noted that Miami RCP8.5, annual damages associated with an Beach used two pages of its official bond offering to increasing number of extreme-temperature-related document climate change and the risks from deaths in 2090 are projected to be $140 billion (in hurricanes and sea-level rise and the efforts of 2015 dollars). Miami Beach to address the issues. Risks and Costs to Infrastructure The United The good news is that climate change also States Government Accountability Office also presents business opportunities. The Carbon recognizes increasing federal fiscal exposure from Disclosure Project reported that 225 of the world's climate change risk in disaster in a June 2019 GAO 500 biggest companies believe climate change study, and notes that "the federal government has could generate over $2.1 trillion in new business not made measurable progress since 2017 to prospects. There will be more opportunity in clean reduce federal exposure to climate change." In fact, energy, resilient and green buildings, and energy one example of increasing federal exposure given efficiency. Hybrid and electric vehicle production for operation and maintenance of federal lands and and the electric public transit sector are expected to facilities is the almost complete destruction of grow. Construction of green infrastructure and more Tyndall Air Force Base and the estimated $3-4 billion to rebuild the base. resilient coastal infrastructure could create many new jobs. Carbon capture and sequestration and uses of captured CO2 present opportunities. It is important for Monroe County to invest in adaptation and mitigation for the economy to remain viable. Tourism Impacts The main impacts of climate change in the Florida Keys are rising sea How Important temperature, sea level change, ocean acidification, and increased to The Florida Keys : Key hurricane activity. Tourism&The Keys Economy Tourism&Sales Related Taxes $2.7 Billion 120 Million co bn da"""elTRev .mmestale Tourism's value to the Keys economy rr �— Mlllnn Economic activity in Monroe County is driven by tourism, accounting 60% for about 60% of the total spending it fuels a $2.7 billion economy. 1.`.1 " Tourism supplies 53 percent of all island jobs. Commercial fisheries 54016 `: ` are a distant second, though they remain economically significant. In ,F „, fi i Property Tax.Peverue 2017 fisheries catch in Key West accounted for 14.6 million pounds Capital Projects ^> r equaling 58.2 million dollars". 1a1°a°falFl°daKsL.dg ,p,°pE $57Million $41 Million d filed by the T11 nth.past Len yea Value oP all Flanda Keys TowstAmanions Ben1erfiKPo p'aTourismEconP �,f II Ion, OmY PropertyTaxes paltl by The importance of the health on the reef and marine environment to Monroe County's economy cannot be overstated. The economy honda Keys depends on a healthy reef system. Arts&Cultural`Events nKeyvVe5t $11 Million 1- " "Commercial Fisheries Statistics," National Marine Fisheries Service 21 Ecologists describe the 360-mile-long Florida Reef Tract as a global treasure. It is the world's third-largest barrier reef. But less than 10 percent of the reef system is now covered with living coral. Scientists anticipate that as early as 2020, it could be in line for almost yearly bleaching events, in which heat stresses upend the metabolism of corals, in some cases killing them. The reefs experienced back-to-back major bleaching events in 2014 and 2015. The researchers suggested that the main reason for a decline of coral was a uniform global cause — warming. "This is different in that the extent and number of species of corals that have been affected have been dramatic," said Esther Peters, a coral reef ecologist at George Mason University in Virginia. Twenty- one coral species in the Florida Reef Tract are suffering from multiple diseases, according to reef surveys by the Nature Conservancy. Seven of those species are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, among them staghorn and elkhorn corals. Also affected, commercial fisheries production in Monroe County have been impacted. Between 1986-88 and 2007-09 catch of grouper, snapper and other reef fish declined by 37% and spiny lobsters (with Monroe County representing almost 90% of the total for Florida) by 39%. Landings of pink shrimp, previously a very important part of the total catch, declined by 82%12. The average global temperature is assumed to rise by 2.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century. As temperatures increase, the oceans will become progressively more acidic. Monroe County should expect a continuing decline of marine-based tourism. IV. PRIORITY RECOMMENDATIONS Action E- 1.1 Implement a Monroe County Communication Plan for outreach and education to business and residents regarding the potential impacts of climate change, sea level rise. Action N- 5.3 Implement green infrastructure, alone or in combination with built infrastructre, to increase the resiliency. Action B- 3.6 Require buildings to be FGB or LEED Standard for residential and commercial development. Action R- 1.3 Implement 'fast track' solar permitting. Action R- 1.6 Employ an energy manager. Action T- 1.2 Develop a sustainable county-wide public transportation system. lz National Marine Sanctuary study"Climate Change and the Florida Keys" 22 V. CLIMATE ACTION PLAN GOALS & ACTION ITEMS The following 24 Goals and 84 Action items are recommendations to increase resiliency and reduce risk in Monroe County. These recommendations are for the Monroe County Board of County Commissioner's consideration. Items that are currently underway or ongoing are noted as In Process and policy action items are designated by a green box at the beginning of each goal area. LEADERSHIP Goal L-1: Leadership. Adopt community and intergovernmental practices in Monroe County that serve as a tool for the County, municipalities, and other entities to address climate change mitigation and adaptation needs. Action L4.1: Provide resources and leadership to the Southeast Florida Climate Change Compact to advance mitigation and adaptation efforts to address the potential negative impacts related to climate variability and change.-In Process Monroe County is the most vulnerable partner within the SEFL Compact with respect to climate change induced sea level increases. Not only is our primary source of drinking water threatened by sea level rise, but our very homes, businesses and infrastructure are also directly at risk. The County should continue to actively support the implementation of a Regional Collaborative Climate Action Plan with the neighboring counties through the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Compact to address the impacts of sea level rise and other related climate change impacts. Action L4.2: Provide advocacy and leadership for adoption of climate change policies and legislation with local, state, and federal entities. In Process Encourage all agencies, utilities and franchisees operating within Monroe County to adopt climate change mitigation plans to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation plans to minimize potential impacts of sea level rise. Monroe County should host 2-4 workshops per year to collaborate with local municipalities and other public and private entities to coordinate, develop, and implement a suite of planning tools to address climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Monroe County will continue to demonstrate leadership in advocacy for climate change issues and legislation to the National Association of Counties, Florida Association of Counties and the Florida League of Cities, and in Washington, DC and Tallahassee. Support proactive environmental and climate change public policies and standards that support adaptation funding to meet those needs. An example of such an effort would be to work with local utilities to research incorporation of "smart metering" and "smart load management" devices, as well as the potential benefits of solar power distributed generators and electric cars as household storage systems. Similarly, the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority could be 23 encouraged to implement innovative measures for increasing their energy efficiencies and reducing water withdrawals. Action L-1.3: Maintain a community BOCC Climate Change Advisory Committee. Monroe County will maintain an advisory committee to assist and advise elected officials and the Office of Sustainability on climate related issues. An advisory committee like the existing one is an ideal forum for community coordination in addressing climate change needs in Monroe County. In Process Action L-1.4: Events held in Monroe County will be required to be carbon neutral. Monroe County will hold carbon neutral events and create policies that require any event requiring county permitting to be carbon neutral. IDENTIFY AND MONITOR RISKS & VULNERABILITIES Goal M-1: Coordinate with peer organizations and assure availability of up-to-date scientific and technical information. Action M-1.1: Seek technical support from state and federal agencies and universities for development of climate change scenarios appropriate for Monroe County. Monroe County will engage the support of state and federal agencies (e.g., FDEP, FDOT, SFWMD, NOAA, USGS, FEMA, USFWS, USACE), and universities that can provide technological and logistical support and work with state, county, and local planning bodies to develop regional scenarios of climate change and analyze potential changes in vulnerability. These actions should be annually reviewed and assigned to a county employee within the Sustainability Action Plan 5-year plan. Goal M-2: Prioritize the most vulnerable areas and facilities that will be affected by sea level rise in Monroe County. Action M-2.1: Utilize the "Adaptation Action Area" designation to prioritize areas deemed most vulnerable to sea level rise and other climate change impacts. "Adaptation action area" or "adaptation area" means a designation in the coastal management element of a local government's comprehensive plan which identifies one or more areas that experience coastal flooding due to extreme high tides and storm surge, and that are vulnerable to the related impacts of rising sea levels for the purpose of prioritizing funding for infrastructure needs and adaptation planning." §163.3164(1), F.S. (2011). Adaptation Action Areas will include the built environment as well as natural areas and be used as a development tool to guide funding, policies and regulations that will serve to reduce future risk and economic 24 losses associated with sea level rise. Adaptation Action Areas will account for both existing and needed infrastructure. Vulnerable natural areas can be protected by directing development to non-vulnerable areas. Action M-2.2: Adopt overall long-range planning documents which account for vulnerability. Planning documents such as the Stormwater Master Plan, Capital Improvement Plan and the Roads and Bridges Plan should be revised to include current sea level rise projections. Goal M-3: Create a countywide sea level rise monitoring and adaptation process. Action M-3.1: Support a monitoring program to annually evaluate and observe climate change impacts and responses on the natural and built environments within Monroe County. An ongoing monitoring program to document climate change related impacts on the built and natural area is needed to identify best management practices for improving adaptation responses to protect both the natural and built environments. Particular emphasis will be on monitoring the amount and rate of sea level rise, but temperatures, rainfall and drinking water availability are also important. Monroe County should seek data being collected by other agencies and supplement it, where needed, with in-house monitoring. County staff shall organize initial workshops with guidance for organizations to form individual monitoring programs and annual meetings. EDUCATION AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Goal E-1: Increase awareness and understanding of potential climate change impacts as well as mitigation and adaptation needs. Action E-i.l: Implement a Monroe County Communication Plan for outreach and education to business and residents regarding the potential impacts of climate change and sea level rise and potential mitigation and adaptation strategies to minimize those impacts. In Process An active communication and education strategy are needed to help the public understand the need and prepare for climate change. Develop a communication strategy and guide for target audiences such as homeowners, builders, buyers and businesses to increase resilience to climate change impacts. These impacts include flooding potential, energy use, landscaping and infrastructure. Communicate the potential impacts of sea level rise on the existing built environment and the county's roadways, properties and critical infrastructure through community meeting, publications and social media. Action E4.2: Develop and disseminate an educational toolkit for business owners and the public on how to offset carbon emissions. A carbon offset is a way to compensate for your emissions by funding an equivalent carbon dioxide saving elsewhere. Our everyday actions, at home and at work, consume energy and produce carbon emissions, such as driving, flying and cooling buildings. Carbon offsetting is used to balance out these emissions by helping to 25 pay for emission savings in other parts of the world. It is important for business owners and the public to be aware of how to do this. Action E-1.3: Leverage Art in Public Places to create materials to educate residents on climate change impacts. Monroe County will work with artist groups, especially publicly funded groups to support art campaigns that raise awareness to climate impacts, encourage resiliency and promote sustainable behaviors. One example is the Miami-Dade project Before It's Too Late http://www.beforeitstoolate.earth/ Goal E-2: Business & Workforce Development. Expand local green workforce and business opportunities through training and business development initiatives. Action E-2.1: Develop and promote green workforce capability within the County. Monroe county will support the development of a green workforce by; • Requiring county departments to have green industry certifications • Attracting and supporting green industry trainings for local contractors, workers and businesses • Collaborating with Florida Keys College to offer county internships in departments focused on green industry • Seeking funding opportunities to support curriculum development to train contractors, workers and employees in energy management and installation of renewable energy systems • Requiring green credentials and outcomes in all county funded solicitation proposals Action E-2.2: Develop a Green Business Resiliency Guide and online certification platform. Monroe County, OF IFAS Extension will develop a Green and Resilient Business Guide to encourage existing businesses to increase resiliency and reduce carbon emissions. The county will adopt a Green Business Resilience Certification Program and incentivize businesses that commit to zero waste and/or carbon neutral events. Furthermore, Monroe County should encourage, through policy, sustainable practices with particular sensitivity to and focus on businesses of historical and cultural significance. Action E-2.3: Encourage Growth of New Eco-Friendly Green Business. Monroe County will evaluate and adopt incentives for green business development. Monroe County will create economic or other incentives to encourage environmental (green) business development. 26 NATURAL SYSTEMS Goal N-1: Partnerships. Support and encourage partnerships for conservation. Action N-1.1: Adopt policies that promote conservation and environmental protection. Monroe County will provide leadership in conservation and environmental protection by adopting policies (when possible) to reduce environmental impacts including: • Banning the sale or distribution of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and/or octanoate • Banning or establishing a fee for single use plastic bags • Banning single use plastics and Styrofoam from county facilities and events • Using green certified cleaning products in county facilities • Using "least harmful" or green products for weed control Action N-1.2: Support partnerships for conservation. Monroe County will support conservation partnerships through; • Assigning key staff members to support local, state and national conservation boards • Supporting local conservation efforts through "fee waivers" such as dumping fees for local debris collection and meeting room fees • Advertising conservation events through the county website and social media platforms • Evaluating and adopting conservation certification programs such as "Sea Safe", "Clean Marina", "Blue Star Dive Operators" and "Florida Friendly Yards" Action N4.3: Promote government conservation land acquisition. • Promote collaborative federal, state, and local government conservation land acquisition and easement programs. • Promote and advocate for sufficient funding of the Florida Forever conservation land acquisition program. • Partner with local state legislators to file state bills for individual land acquisition projects under the Florida Forever program to show the demand for the program's land acquisition funding. • Connect local land conservation initiatives with potential federal funding programs based on specific ecosystem characteristics. Potential federal land conservation programs include: o Land and Water Conservation Fund (National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) o Cooperative Endangered Species Fund (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) o Forest Legacy Program (U.S. Forest Service) o Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (U.S. Department of Agriculture) • Ensure that Monroe County Land Authority continues to place a high priority on purchasing natural areas for conservation purposes 27 • Support efforts of federal, state, municipal and private interests to purchase natural areas for conservation purposes. • Promote approaches that facilitate habitats succession. Action N-1.4: Coordinate with state, regional and national strategic planning efforts to address the vulnerabilities of the natural environment to climate change impacts. Monroe County should coordinate with other state, regional and national strategic planning efforts to prepare for climate variability and change. For example, the SE Florida Climate Change Compact's Regional Climate Action Plan, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission/Fish and Wildlife Research Institute's species vulnerability assessment, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Landscape Conservation Cooperative scenario planning, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary management planning, the South Florida Water Management District water supply planning, and the NOAA "Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning" under auspices of the National Ocean Policy. Action N-L& Support the recommendations of the Florida Reef Resilience Program's "Climate Change Action Plan for the Florida Coral Reef System 2010-2015" through participation in recommended management, education and research areas, as appropriate. Protection of the marine environment surrounding Monroe County is critical to maintaining a productive fishing and tourist economy. The Florida Reef Resilience Program's Climate Action Plan's vision is to achieve: 1) increased resilience to global climate change impacts via active management of local reef impacts; 2) enhanced communications and awareness about climate change impacts on reefs and reef users; and 3) targeted research about those impacts. - Ecosystems. Evaluate and address ecosyste vulnerab'lity. Action N-2.1: Promote and encourage policies that provide adaptive capacity to species and habitats to respond effectively to changing conditions, especially to those that are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Monroe County will research and adopt conservation options for species that can't disperse to new habitats. The ability of coastal species and habitats to respond effectively to sea level rise is dependent upon their ability to migrate inland with rising waters. This ability may be facilitated by adopting strategies that provide migration corridors. For example, approaches that conserve beach berms and/or discourage shoreline hardening should be considered when appropriate. Some species of fish, wildlife and/or plants are particularly sensitive to changing climate in the Florida Keys. For example, loggerhead turtles depend on beaches for nesting and sea level rise predictions suggest that Keys beaches are extremely vulnerable to increasing sea level rise. Policies that encourage conservation and restoration of key habitats and landscape features should be encouraged to provide opportunities for these species to successfully survive and adapt. Examples of these types of policies, which should be retained and improved upon as conditions evolve, include: Land Development Regulations, Tier System, and the Habitat Conservation Plan for Big Pine and No Name Key. 28 Action N-2.2: Explore options to restore hydrology (e.g., mosquito ditches, canals.) Monroe County will evaluate stormwater and natural systems and adopt enhancement techniques to improve local hydrology. Action N-2.3: Assess invasive species impacts. • Conduct a predictive assessment of current and potential invasive species ranges and impacts. • Support the current University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas by providing expertise and financial support. • Determine potential invasive species' ranges and impacts on biodiversity and society through partnerships between universities and local government agencies. Action N-2.4: Evaluate and support protections and restoration programs in potential climate change affected natural habitats. Habitats and other resources of concern include the Keys' freshwater lenses (i.e., groundwater), freshwater wetlands and pine forests as well as coastal wetlands. Protecting and restoring these wetlands should help reduce saltwater intrusion driven by sea level rise along with storm surges and the highest tides of the year. Wetlands also help to retain and filter storm water runoff, reducing potential pollution from the built environment. Restoration may include filling or plugging ditches, installing culverts to allow storm surge to run off, and fire management to create or maintain high frequency, low intensity fire regimes in fire-dependent uplands and wetlands of the lower Keys - which will slow the succession from pine and herbaceous species to broadleaf species dominance. Objectives: 1. Ensure connectivity between coastal and upland habitats 2. Promote natural coastal systems • Promote the protection and restoration of coastal natural systems and the creation of living shorelines at the regional scale. • Identify specific locations and general conditions that could utilize living shorelines in place of, or in combination with, seawalls. • Write regulations encouraging the use or integration of living shorelines where feasible. Goal N-3: Economics. Quantify and fund resiliency in natural areas. Action N-3.1: Develop sustainable financing. • Develop sustainable financing for the monitoring, protection, restoration, and management of natural areas and ecosystem services. • Conduct a scan of existing financing mechanisms that provide loans for projects that promote the preservation of natural capital, such as the European Investment Bank's Natural Capital Financing Facility. 29 • Assess the feasibility of implementing natural capital financing through current local financing institutions in Southeast Florida (e.g., state and county government, and local and national banks). • Develop cost-benefit analyses of investments into natural systems, traditional infrastructure, and hybrid green/gray approaches. Action N-3.2: Identify, quantify, and maintain ecosystem services. Monroe County will use proven methods to determine critical ecosystems including a determination of economic value to the county. Monroe County will put in place protections based on each ecosystems service value. Action N-3.3: Fund the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. • Support and advocate for continued implementation and funding on the state and federal levels for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). • Continue to provide political and financial support to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and its updated version, which are fundamental to Everglades restoration. • Contribute to the ongoing implementation of the CERP and updates to the implementation plans (such as the Integrated Delivery Schedule) through the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force and relevant working groups. Goal N-4: Communication. Communicate the value and impacts of local ecosystems. Action N,4.1: Foster public awareness and promote communication on biodiversity and ecosystem services. • Utilize the Monroe County website, public information office and social media platforms to increase knowledge about the importance of best practices and conservation. • Foster public awareness of the impacts of climate change on the region's natural systems and ecosystem services. • Conduct public opinion research of various stakeholders' values to effectively communicate how they will be affected by climate change (e.g., impacts on natural systems that could create problems for health, wellness, and outdoor recreation). • Develop local communications strategies around climate impacts on ecological sites that have community recognition or significance. • Develop and share regional communication materials about the regional ecosystem services affected by climate change. Flexible materials could include: o Webinars o Presentations o Flyers • Partner with local governments, NGOs, universities, libraries, faith-based organizations, and community groups to disseminate local and regional natural systems messages. 30 Action N-4.2: Form a species dispersal and conservation group. • Identify or create a regional group to coordinate a plan to create adaptation corridors, living collections, and other approaches to species dispersal and conservation. • Convene representatives of current biodiversity and land conservation programs across Southeast Florida. • Review and align all current plans to encourage species dispersal and biodiversity, prioritizing the sites and measures of greatest regional importance. Goal N-5: Management. Implement management strategies for resilience in natural areas. Action N-5.i: Promote fisheries management approaches that account for range shifts and other climate change impacts and Create fisheries adaptation plans. • Identify the effects of climate change on fish populations, the sustainability of key fisheries, and the fishing industry, then develop adaptation plans as needed. • Review and analyze current research to develop a vulnerability assessment of the projected climate impacts on the Southeast Florida fishing industry. • Convene stakeholders in the fishing industry, marine research, coastal management, and local government to develop adaptation plans for the regional economy, including adaptation measures for county and municipal level jurisdictions. Action N-5.2: Implement strategies for protection of coral reefs. • Support coral reef protection, restoration, and sustainable-use initiatives to help Florida's sensitive reefs adapt to the changing climate and ocean acidification. • Develop or promote programs encouraging behavior that mitigates negative human impacts on coral reefs. Programs that would directly and indirectly support coral reef conservation and growth include: o Greenhouse gas emissions reduction o Transition to renewable energy o Water quality protection o Investment in reef-friendly businesses o Responsible boating, snorkeling, and diving practices o Sustainable, low-impact fishing practices Action N-5.3: Implement `green infrastructure', alone or in combination with built infrastructure, to increase resiliency. A healthy green infrastructure (e.g. mangroves, natural beaches, freshwater wetlands, coastal berms, coral reefs), not only increases resilience to natural systems, but it also protects people and the built environment from coastal hazards and climate change impacts including storms, sea level rise, drought and rainwater 31 flooding. In addition, maintaining functional green infrastructure provides corridors for migration of shore side habitat inland as sea level rises. Including green infrastructure as required coastal buffer yards in the land development code provides protection from erosion due to sea level rise and protection from storms. Stormwater management systems such as swales and bio retention are more effective when planted with native vegetation and help ensure the longevity of the required stormwater controls. In addition, encouraging the planting of native salt tolerant vegetation as a buffer along the shoreline helps to control stormwater runoff and prevents further erosion while creating a living shoreline that can help reduce the impacts of storm surge. BUILT ENVIRONMENT Goal 13-1: Landscape. Promote the conservation of native species and sustainable landscape practices. Action 13-1.1: Promote Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles that encourage native flora and prohibit the spread of invasive exotics species (http://www.floridayards.org). In Process • Strengthen land development regulations (LDR) for natives, invasive and canopy trees. • Adopt a certification program similar to Broward's NatureScape program. • Complete a County-wide tree inventory and establish a tree canopy goal. • Review land development regulations to better incentivize protecting natural resources on buildable sites. (SAP: NS4.1) • Provide incentives to developers to protect critical watershed protection areas. (SAP: NS4.2) • Promote living shorelines and mangrove restoration as an alternative to traditional bulkheads for near- term stabilization of eroding coastal areas, while also allowing for long-term marine ecosystem migration. (SAP: NS5.2) • Establish regulations creating buffer yards with native salt tolerant plants along all coast lines. Action B-1.2: Encourage creation of new community gardens, organic urban agriculture ("Just One Backyard"), and edible County campuses to reduce travel time and impacts to the environment. • Review land development regulations and zoning requirements to encourage acceptable forms and uses related to urban agriculture such as use of raised beds or any landscape constraints. (SAP: BE4.1) • Adopt zoning and development regulations that allow farmers markets, community gardens, urban agriculture, and edible campuses in appropriate land uses. (SAP: BE4.2) • Find opportunities to use public spaces for establishment of community gardens and produce markets within zoning districts. Action B-1.3: Encourage the planting of Green Rooftops on county facilities and residential property. 32 • At a minimum, require light-colored, reflective "cool roofs" on all newly constructed county facilities. • Require cool roofs on all re-roofing of county facilities. • Require the use of green roof technology on newly constructed county facilities over 25,000 square feet. • Incentivize green roof technology on private commercial and residential projects through grants, tax incentives, loans, fast-track permitting, LEED points, reduction of permitting fees, etc. Action 134.4: Promote urban tree canopy. • Maintain, create, and/or restore urban tree canopy. • Ensure current tree planting and shade tree canopy programs establish native tree species over non- native species. • Identify and invest in salt-tolerant tree species that can withstand hurricanes and provide multiple ecosystem services, such as habitat for other native species. • Prioritize planting efforts in low-income areas where the existing tree canopy is disproportionately sparse. • Require certified arborists to conduct tree trimming or removal on county property. Goal B-2: Built Adaptation. Incorporate adaptation to climate change impacts, especially sea level rise and storm surge in building codes, the planning of developments and provision of services as appropriate. Action B-2.1: Develop and implement adaptive planning and zoning policies, regulations and programs to ensure that appropriate land use, construction, mitigation and redevelopment activities address the potential impacts of sea level rise on Monroe County's infrastructure. LAND USE • Maintain and strengthen setback policies and the use of rolling easements to account for sea level rise impacts. (SAP:BE1.1) • Consider imposing use restrictions on development in areas most vulnerable to flooding. (SAP:BE1.2) • Establish types of adaptation action areas that may include focus on living shorelines, development in high risk areas, habitat migration corridors, levels of service for infrastructure or other sea level rise mitigation projects. (SAP:BE1.10) • Enhance Transfer of Development Rights program parameters to account for sea level rise impacts by directing growth to land outside of potentially vulnerable areas. • Research Community Rating System "Higher Regulatory Standards" for additional points-based actions. CONSTRUCTION & MITIGATION • Establish triggers for retrofit of a structure impacted by changing site conditions such as when erosion is within a certain distance of the foundation; when monthly high tides are within a certain distance of the 33 finished floor elevation; or when a setback decreases to a certain width. Consider these concepts in development/redevelopment principles: (SAP:BE1.3) • Address sea level rise in "non-conforming" structures and redevelopment or replacement of existing structures. • Adopt an ordinance to address natural forces' degradation and damage to public roads, streets, highways, bridges, sidewalks, curbs and curb ramps, crosswalks, bicycle ways, hiking and walking paths and trails, underpasses, overpasses, and other improved public rights-of-way used for travel and recreation or other appropriate infrastructure. (SAP:BE1.4) • Make cisterns mandatory for each new residential unit to increase resiliency while decreasing resource use, stormwater flows and water quality degradation. • Conduct additional study of a freeboard initiative to elevate and floodproof buildings within Monroe County including insurance benefits and funding sources. Identify additional barriers to elevating strategies such as height restrictions that may curtail the ability of someone to construct to higher elevations. (SAP:BE1.6) PROGRAMS • Incentivize new "resiliency" construction standards such as Resilience START"", the Institute for Business and Home Safety's FORTIFIED Home"', FORTIFIED Commercial, FORTIFIED Safer Business, FORTIFIED for Safer Living®, RELi or other appropriate standard rating systems. (SAP:BE1.5) • Pilot "demonstration" projects to provide examples of benefits to residents and business owners. Distribute information about GreenKeys! planning efforts at County events. (SAP:BE1.7) • Identify funding sources to finance energy-efficiency and resiliency upgrades in residences and businesses. (SAP:BE1.9) • Enhance coordination with the development and real estate communities to provide information about projected sea level rise impacts and solutions from the GreenKeys! planning process. Schedule annual briefings with the predominant industry associations to increase communication. (SAP:BE1.11) Action 8-2.2: Revise Florida Statute to include financing storm hardening protection and resiliency adaptations in the PACE program In 2010, the State of Florida established the framework for dependent special districts, municipalities and county governments to implement low-interest PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing programs, the BOCC should lobby for additional inclusions to PACE that address storm hardening protection and building resiliency. Goal B-3: Built Mitigation. Identify measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as promote energy and water conservation through changes in building codes and practices. 34 Action 13-3.1: Consider Land Development Regulations to increase energy efficiency, promote renewable energy systems, and other green construction practices, as well as storm readiness in excess of existing building codes for new and remodeled residential and commercial structures. • Adopt the International Green Construction Code developed by the International Code Council through land development regulations. The Florida State Green Building Model Ordinance provides guidance on incentives for green building and adaptation for climate change. • Facilitate net-zero building goal by providing policies and guidance to homeowners, businesses and builders. • Incorporate energy efficient design, construction, maintenance and waste reduction standards through the use of regulation, education and incentives. • Encourage greener, more efficient, and more durable construction practices by establishing an ongoing process to address local zoning and building code requirements that recommend the following: o Require each municipal building department to have a "green" accredited official on staff. o Require personnel in each building department to have continuing education units (CEUs) of emerging energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. o Incorporate RFP specifications that will require accredited individuals on design teams and incorporation of green building practices. o Require Green Building Certification for all new residential and commercial buildings. o Require 15% reduction of energy and water use for all major redevelopments. o Incorporate RFP specifications that will incorporate green building practices and require green accredited individuals on design teams. o Require conduit for electric vehicles on all new buildings. o Ensure resiliency and energy efficiency design considerations are included in affordable housing projects. (SAP:BE1.8) o Amend the land development regulations to require one out of three following elements for new parking lots over a certain threshold in the number of spaces: (a) 50 percent of the parking lot to be shaded by tree canopy, (b) solar photovoltaic panels, (c) or the use of cooling pavements or pavement coatings with albedos greater than 40 percent if trees and solar panels are impractical due to site considerations. o Incorporate sustainable parking practices and design into land development regulations such as including bike parking, reducing heat island effects, and other strategies to reduce environmental impacts. (SAP:BE2.3) o Research and implement policies and programs that reuse glass to the maximum extent possible. This can include, but is not limited to roadwork, canal filling and beach re-nourishment. Action ®-3.2: Increase the use of pervious surfaces and decrease the use of impervious surfaces to reduce stormwater runoff. Pervious surfaces allow water to percolate into the soil to filter out pollutants and recharge the water table. Impervious surfaces are solid surfaces that don't allow water to penetrate, forcing it to run off. The runoff prevents the filtration of pollutants that decrease water quality and disrupt reproduction and growth development in multiple organisms. In addition, stormwater runoff causes siltation of near shore waters inhibiting the required amount of sunlight and causing die-off of corals and sea grasses. Ongoing consideration is needed for incorporation of pervious asphalt and concrete in appropriate situations. • Incorporate sustainable parking practices and design into land development regulations such as increasing stormwater infiltration where applicable. (SAP:BE2.3) • Pilot "demonstration" projects to provide examples of benefits. 35 • Address stormwater runoff along streets, especially during raising roads. • Green infrastructure o Always consider pervious options (ie: Flexipave, Pervious pavers, etc.) for hardscape alternatives. • Incentivize cisterns • Increase the percentage of funding invested in green infrastructure. (SAPNS3.3) Action 5-3.3: Strengthen regulation of noise and light pollution within the County. Incorporate Dark Skies best practices into land development regulations to reduce light pollution and minimize bird strike hazards. This could include incorporation of Dark Sky Friendly Lighting into County infrastructure to further reduce light pollution within the County. Establish programs that eliminate existing sources of light pollution coming from County-owned entities (SAP:BE3.1). Review code enforcement procedures to specifically track noise and light violations so that trends can be monitored to reduce these types of issues. (SAP:BE3.2) Action 8-3.4: Employ a Stormwater Engineer The County shall employ a stormwater engineer to better review all public and private projects within the County. Action 8-3.5: Require climate change adaptation training for contractors to learn green building practices and to protect the natural shoreline against sea level rise. The Monroe County Building Department should develop training requirements for contractors to remain informed of the best management practices for green building practices and protection of private property against sea level rise effect while maximizing protection of the natural shoreline. Action 8-3.6: Require buildings to be FGB or LEED Standard for residential and commercial development. Building green has a positive return on investment. According to the Green New Deal, there is a six dollar mitigation cost avoidance for every one dollar investment. Action 8-3.7: Increase the ROGO incentives for energy and water conservation. The Monroe County Building Department currently incentivizes energy and water conservation with the following point system for a ROGO development: Certified to standards of a sustainable building rating or national model green building code 3 Permanent concrete cistern with a minimum 1,000 gallon capacity 1 Gray water reuse system meeting requirements of the Florida Building Code 2 36 Minimum 3KW solar photovoltaic collection system or equivalent renewable energy system 1 Ductless air conditioning system or high efficiency chillers 0.5 Provide 200% of the number of native landscape plants required by the LDC within 1 landscaped buffer yards and parking areas- NROGO only Provide 25% of criteria above as native plants that are listed as threatened or endangered to 1 the Florida Keys- NROGO only Landscaping designed with collection of rainfall for waste water for watering landscape plants- 1 NROGO only Only 12 ROGO applicants have utilized the energy and water conservation indicatives for additional ROGO points. Increasing the allotted points for the individual conservation initiatives or requiring the conservation initiatives on all new development would greatly increase the percentage of new development with energy and water conservation measures. Implement mandatory prerequisites such as: • Building higher than 1.5' above base flood to protect development from SLR and storm surge • An elevated point system for each level of green building certification achieved • Mandatory cisterns In addition, points could be allocated for other incentives such as those offered under the BPAS system in Key West including: • Design by a LEED credited architect • Providing a high voltage conduit for electric vehicles • Vegetated roofs WATER RESOURCES & WASTEWATER Goal W 1: Drinking Water. Support conservation strategies for protection of water resources. Action W-1.1: Advocate for sustained implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) projects that increase the flow of freshwater into lower east coast aquifers and Florida Bay for recharging the aquafer. Monroe County will be proactive in supporting CERP projects including assigning key staff to decision making roles in the process. CERP will increase the resiliency of the local drinking water supply by helping to curtail saltwater intrusion into the Biscayne Aquifer, the primary source of drinking water for the Florida Keys, and will improve the resiliency and quality of the Florida Bay ecosystem. Monroe County should review, in coordination with appropriate agencies, the impacts of climate change and sea level rise on the Everglades and support adaptive management efforts to mitigate impacts. In addition, as the health of the Everglades directly affects the environment and economy in the Florida Keys, Monroe County should have a proactive role with the boards and agencies that are involved with Everglades restoration projects. 37 Action W-1.2: Support climate change and conservation strategies of FKAA and SFWMD to protect the existing freshwater supply for Monroe County. In Process Monroe County will support the inclusion of adaptation measures that address impacts from climate change in future updates of the FKAA Water Plan, the South Florida Water Management District's Lower East Coast Regional Water Supply Plan and other regional water management activities to ensure that Monroe County's source of potable water supply is conserved and protected. Action W-1.3: Implement water conservation measures. Monroe County will provide resources to assist local governments, South Florida Water Management District and FKAA in implementing regional water conservation strategies as a water supply demand management tool. The county should fully promote government and public water-use audits to establish a baseline and identify efficiency and conservation opportunities using state-of-the-art leak detection technology and other strategies. Monroe County will require reuse where appropriate at county facilities and require the highest efficiency technology in county owned or operated facilities. Staff will coordinate with the Monroe County Health Department to encourage and facilitate gray water use. Policies will be adopted which require that new and replacement toilets, showerheads, and other water fixtures purchased by the County be low-flow, consistent with EPA's WaterSense or Energy Star programs. Furthermore, the county shall promote partnerships and consistent conservation policies and reduced per- capita-use goals with all users within the County including homeowner's and condominium associations. ` Goal W 2: Water Q li Protection. Implement measures to protect near shore water quality. Action W 2.1: Protect Wastewater Treatment Plants and collection systems from infiltration and inflow. Monroe County will work in coordination with all utilities and municipalities to maintain infrastructure protection and adaptation through infiltration and inflow program development to prevent loss of groundwater and reduce the need for additional treatment requirements Goal W 3: Alternative Water Supply. Encourage the development and expansion of alternative water supply systems (AWS) for the Florida Keys. Action W-3.1: Evaluate the reclamation and reuse of treated wastewater relative to potential benefits in addressing climate change impacts. Monroe County will work in coordination with all utilities and municipalities to evaluate current plans for utilization of treated wastewater for reclamation and reuse. Reuse reduces total water withdrawals from the aquifer well fields. Wastewater infrastructure should utilize the most energy efficient technology available and 38 feasible. The County should also evaluate technologies to better utilize wastewater byproducts to produce renewable energy. Action W--3.2: Develop policies that encourage rain water harvesting and gray water reuse. The practice of rainwater harvesting to supplement non-potable and potable water supply should be encouraged by all levels of government. While decreasing demand through water efficiency and conservation are the primary means to protect the aquifer and reduce the associated energy consumption, harvesting rainwater can reusing gray water should be fully exploited to increase the supply of water. Developing policies that require water for irrigation systems to come from rainwater harvesting structures or gray water. Develop policies and incentives to encourage rainwater harvesting. As salt water intrusion into the Biscayne Aquifer continues with sea level rise, the need for reverse-osmosis treated water from the Floridan Aquifer will increase and expansion of the existing facility may be the most cost-effective means of maintaining the water supply for Monroe County in the mid-range time frame. Technological improvements may make desalination more cost effective. Case Study: St. Petersburg, FL • First reclaimed water facility to be constructed in the U.S • One of the largest in the world • Provides 37 million gallons/ day to 10,000+ customers • Provides 316 fire . hydrants with reused water 74� 4j in iii iii t a iiI I iii iii iii *+u . • Average home ' discharges 5,000 gallons `' I -� of sewage/month • Provides an alternative supply, typically for lawn irrigation Figure 14. Clickfor link 39 RENEWABLE ENERGY Goal R-1: Support the expansion of renewable energy sources and remove the barriers to projects that support sustainability. Action R-1.1: Provide staff and resources to an inter-departmental task force to address energy efficiencies and adaptation needs for BOCC government operations. Monroe County will provide support for an active Energy Reduction Task Force to affect the target reduction adopted by the BOCC of at least a 40% reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions below 2012 levels by 2030. This goal is to be accomplished through completion of a Governmental Operations Climate Action Plan for operations under the purview of the BOCC. Action R4.2: Require solar water heating and energy systems on all new construction or redevelopment. This effort could involve collaborations with utilities or other agencies. Incentives don't work with low ROGO points -can go with requirement for FGBC or LEED. Action R4.3: Implement `fast track' solar permitting and support solar cooperatives. Develop a fast trach solar permitting option to reduce barriers to solar implementation. Coordinate with SolSmart.org on solar cooperatives. Action R-1.4: Encourage the electrical utilities, Florida Keys Electric Cooperative and Keys Energy Services, to adopt practices to increase use of renewable energy. The utilities should be encouraged to implement incentive programs to increase the use of renewable energy within the county and minimize the use of fossil fuels, especially coal, as a fuel source. Of all the available fossil fuels used for electrical generations, coal emits the most greenhouse gases. The County should recognize and support local utilities which build their own renewable energy facilities such as Florida Keys Electric Cooperative's Simply Solar program. Action R4.5: Conduct local alternative energy studies to evaluate their feasibility in achieving the County's greenhouse gas emissions goals. 40 Solar energy is well documented as a viable source of renewable energy, but national studies indicate potential for Monroe County in wave or hydro turbine technologies. Work cooperatively with municipalities and other agencies to develop consistent permitting requirements for renewable energy projects. Action R-L& Employ an Energy Manager. Monroe County will reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by funding an energy manager for public facilities. The action will have the added benefit of saving taxpayer dollars. SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING Goal S-1: Create a Solid Waste/Recycling Action Plan to achieve zero waste by 2050. Action S-1.1: Develop County solid waste Master Plan disposal structure to enhance waste diversion. In Process Revise the County solid waste disposal rate structure in order to maintain and enhance incentives, outreach programs, and other activities designed to increase recycling and composting. Renegotiate franchise arrangements and haul out contracts, where necessary, to maximize the efforts to reduce solid waste shipments to the mainland. Action S-1.2: Adopt progressive, phased in, zero waste programs designed to be end user friendly for residents and businesses. Provide support for partnerships with municipal solid waste operation to maximize efficiency. Utilize existing data from successful programs in Florida to guide BOCC/ staff development of a Solid Waste and Recycling Action Plan. Consideration of a variety of source reduction programs need to be assessed not only for both financial and environmental costs and benefits. Create a mandatory green To-Go ordinance. Action S-L& Track the Solid Waste Master Plan through key performance indicators. Track solid waste GHG emissions including waste to energy and waste transport emissions. Evaluate performance and progress of measures in the County Solid Waste/Recycling Action Plan. Evaluate reduction achievements in the Comprehensive plan. Action S-1.4: Implement ordinances that encourage economic opportunities for recycling/reuse business ventures and reevaluate existing ordinances to remove restrictions that may discourage recycling. 41 The City of Key West Master Plan encourages glass reuse locally, establishing cost savings for county projects and utilizing recycled glass as sand for beach refurbishment. Examples of implementing activities include: 1) Support regional bottle bills and inexpensive disposal options; 2) Incorporate business opportunity measures in the County Solid Waste/Recycling Plan; and 3) Incorporate reduction goals into the Comprehensive plan. Action S-JL.5: Monroe County will revise its plan to handle storm related solid waste. The action plan should include means for composting as much debris as possible as well as its use in waste- to-energy opportunities. Goal S-2: Implement specific recycling plans for the residential, business, institutional and construction sectors. Action S-2.1: Develop goals, objectives and policies to expand local capacity to process recycled materials and promote development of reuse, recovery, and light manufacturing activities. Expanding local capacity to process and use recycled materials has the potential to reduce the GHG emissions associated with transporting materials elsewhere as well as create local jobs in the waste management sector. The County should adopt goals which expand the types of materials that are collected for local reuse and recycling, in order to increase waste diversion. Incentive programs need to be designed to decrease the export of waste out of the County, increasing climate change mitigation efforts. Expanding local capacity to process recycled materials has the potential to reduce the GHG emissions associated with transporting materials elsewhere as well as create local jobs in the waste management sector. The County's goal should be to expand the types of materials that are collected for local reuse, in order to increase waste diversion. Action S-2.2: Evaluate a Pay-As-You-Throw residential solid waste program. A pay-as-you-throw program will encourage residents to recycle and to conduct at-home yard waste and composting to avoid user fees for excessive solid waste or organics. An accompanying educational effort can greatly assist residents adapt to the program. The County can use the composted material in conjunction with construction debris for fill in sea level rise adaptation efforts. Action S-2.3: Implement a community compost program. Food and yard waste account for 40-45% of our County's waste stream. Action S-2.4: Develop a program for mandatory recycling for commercial (i.e. non-residential) businesses, government, agencies, and organizations. The following measures should be considered. 42 • Provide a range of container sizes and types for all commercial recycling accounts, priced accordingly to minimize the amount of solid waste generated. Pricing must provide comparisons for equivalent size/type/collection frequency of recycling containers versus trash collection. • Commercial recycling and trash collection rates to be incorporated into all franchise agreements. • Provide education about tax credits to businesses for recycling of all end-of-life products like furniture, appliances, fixtures, electronics to appropriate end of product life handlers and recyclers. • Expand low cost hazardous and electronic waste program for commercial users with convenient drop off locations and hours. • Provide comprehensive commercial recycling education opportunities. Action 5-2.5: Develop goals, objectives and policies to increase recycling of recoverable waste from all construction sites throughout Monroe County. The DEP has best management practices, reports and legislation related to C & D recycling: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/recycling/cd/ca nddma in.htm 1. Encourage pre-processing of C&D in franchise/license agreements, building permits or ordinances with possible incentives (fee rebates). 2. Incentivize C&D recycling (on-site or off-site), and the use of recycled building materials. 3. Develop a partnership with in-county recycling companies to keep most construction debris in County for use in adaptation efforts to combat sea level rise. Goal S-3: Expand efforts to eliminate waste at its source. Action 5-3.1: Continue to set legislative priority for Florida Home Rule. If`Home Rule" is allowed, Monroe County should implement a ban on single use plastic products. Each year millions of discarded plastic shopping bags end up as litter in the environment when improperly disposed. The same properties that have made plastic bags so commercially successful and ubiquitous— namely their low weight and resistance to degradation—have also contributed to their proliferation in the environment. In Florida, the Energy, Climate Change, and Economic Security Act of 2008 (House Bill 7135) signed into law by former Governor Crist created Section 403.7033, Florida Statutes. This section requires the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to perform an analysis and submit a report to the Legislature by February 1, 2010 regarding the necessity and efficacy of both statewide and local regulation of bags used by consumers to carry products from retail establishments. Until such time that the Legislature adopts the recommendations of FDEP, no local or state government may enact any regulation or tax on the use of such retail bags TRANSPORTATION 43 Goal T 1: Transportation. Encourage the use of public transportation, ride sharing, and a shift to fossil fuel efficient and electric commuter vehicles through the provision of the appropriate infrastructure. Action T Li: Adopt sustainable fleet policies. Monroe County will adopt policies to increase fuel efficiency in county owned fleet vehicles and equipment. Monroe County will develop a fleet strategy to include; "right sizing" vehicles based on actual use, increasing hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles and requiring ride sharing when appropriate. Action T 1.2: Develop a sustainable county wide public transportation system and coordinate transportation-related adaptation policies across jurisdictional boundaries. 1. Pursue funding opportunities for public mass transit, at the local, state and federal level. 2. Coordinate with the municipalities and the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority to improve the mass transit system functions on a regional level to allow Keys residents effective mass transit within the entire county and to the mainland. 3. Encourage vehicle ride sharing where mass transportation is not practical. 4. Provide the infrastructure and support facilities to encourage and enhance the use of mass transportation and ride sharing. a) Establishing commuter-parking facilities in each island community. b) Provide electric charging stations (preferably solar powered) at each of these parking facilities. c) Raise parking facilities above high water levels. Action T 1.3: Develop regulations that all development (or re-development) include bicycle accommodations and promote their use to reduce miles driven. 1. Develop a countywide bicycle/pedestrian plan integrated with the FDEP Overseas Heritage Trail and the commuter parking areas. 2. Provide more bicycle routes and bike racks throughout the County. 3. Provide bicycle and pedestrian ways for connecting residential areas to recreational areas, commuter parking, schools, shopping areas and employment areas. 4. Promote a bike share program. Action T 1.4: Promote the infrastructure and encourage use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles. In Process Alternative fuels such as biodiesel, propane, and eventually hydrogen can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but such alternatives need government support or encouragement. Grant funding should be sought to fund evaluation pilot projects. One method of encouraging the needed transition is for the local governmental entities to acquire and use alternative fuels whenever possible. Other possible approaches include: 1. Encouraging the establishment of alternative fueling/charging stations. 44 2. Working with the Monroe County School Board and College of the Florida Keys to create and expand training programs. 3. Introducing alternative fueled vehicles when replacing county vehicles. Encourage municipalities to do so as well. Action T 1.5: Encourage creation of a Florida Keys Electric Highway. In Process The installation of fast-charging stations throughout the Florida Keys along U.S. 1 will facilitate the increase use of electric vehicles by both residents and tourists. The creation of a Florida Keys Electric Highwaywould greatly complement the current designations of the Florida Keys Scenic Highway and the Overseas Heritage Trail. Promote electric vehicles or shuttle services for island transportation and provide leadership by purchasing electric vehicles for use in the county fleet. Encourage accessible "plug in" locations for electric vehicles in new development projects or major renovations. Require all new development or major renovations to be wired for electric vehicles. Install electric fast-charging stations at all the major county facilities. Action T 1.6: Develop raised commuter parking at transportation hubs to provide support for increased mass transit usage and to protect parked vehicles from sea level rise and storm surge. Elevated commuter parking areas are defined as areas where the parking level is raised to heights equal to or above that of the adjacent U.S.1 roadway and are sufficient in size to provide reasonable access for the nearby community. Multimodal infrastructure (e.g., raised commuter parking) and support facilities (e.g., electric charging stations) are needed to encourage the use of electric vehicles for on-island transportation and the use of mass transportation for island to island transportation. Sites throughout the County along the U.S.1 corridor are needed to provide commuter parking at ground levels equivalent to the adjacent highway to provide protection from anticipated sea levels and the concomitant increases in extreme tides and storm surges. Action T 1.7: Develop solar structures. Alternatives to the use of fossil fuels can be further limited by the development of solar charging stations for the Florida Keys electric highway. The use of solar trees at charging stations help to reduce the amount of energy required for charging EV from the electrical grid (fossil fuels). Parking lot solar carports as found at the city hall building in Key West provide solar energy while reducing heat radiation from asphalt parking lots. Install solar trees at electric fast-charging stations throughout the county and solar carports at all the major county facilities. , d. .art PUBLIC HEALTH Goal H-1: Establish and maintain a "Health in all Policies' approach to governance. Action H-1.1: Assess and evaluate the Public Health impact of County government decisions and actions in accordance with the World Health Organization's definition of health, which is "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity" (WHO, 1948). Action H4.2: Recognize vulnerability as a complex phenomenon with social, economic, health, and cultural dimensions and incorporate this knowledge into planning and preparedness response activities. This will increase knowledge and awareness of the health consequences of climate change. Action 1-11-1.3: Support improved collection of weather-related health data to monitor conditions of concern identified in the 2014 Health Impact Assessment of the Regional Climate Action Plan including: • Heat-related Illness • Respiratory Diseases • Foodborne Diseases • Mental Health Disorders • Vectorborne and Zoonotic Diseases • Waterborne Diseases Action 11114.4: Increase outreach and engagement to the healthcare community in the planning and emergency response processes via medical associations and established professional organizations. Action H-1.5: Support the allocation of resources to improve understanding of the public health impacts of regional industries such as tourism, agriculture, and healthcare to identify innovations which reduce related negative health consequences. Action H-1.6: Utilize the Florida Department of Health, Monroe County Emergency Management, and Federal Emergency Management Administration preparedness resources including trainings, templates, and continuity of operations planning tools for non-government entities. Goal H-2: Implement public works policies which reduce negative health consequences of climate change impacts such as extreme heat, vector borne diseases, and increased UV radiation. 46 Action H-2.1: Convert current drinking fountains to water refilling hydration stations in all County facilities as equipment is replaced and new facilities are constructed. Action H-2.2: Construct shade structures at strategic County locations, including bus stops. Action H-2.3: Install `reef-safe' sunscreen dispensers on County properties, including County Parks and Recreational Areas. Action H-2.4: Maintain currently dedicated County resources to control the transmission of vector borne diseases through species and habitat management. 47 APPENDIX A: COMPLETED ACTION ITEMS Completed MCAP 1.0 Action Items MCAP 1.0 Description Action Item # P-1.1 Develop an implementation strategy for the Monroe County Community Climate Action Plan. P-1.4 Maintain and support a Monroe County Sustainability Office M-1.1 Encourage and participate in long-term regional modeling. M-2.1 Improve inundation mapping and modeling. M-2 2 Use improved inundation mapping to identify the sections of roadways, critical structures and natural areas that will be affected by sea level rise projections. M-3.2 Develop plans with service providers for the delivery of routine and emergency services to areas impacted by each of the current SLR projections. M-3.3 Create a framework to evaluate vulnerabilities and prioritize them for adaptation actions. B-4.6 Establish video conferencing facilities to allow residents and employees to participate in advisory and commission meetings without having to drive long distances. W-1 5 Require installation of a rain detection device on all automatic or timer-controlled irrigation systems to cease irrigation during periods of rainfall. W-2 2 Complete conversion of wastewater systems in the Keys to Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT). W-3 2 Encourage the conversion of abandoned septic tanks to non-potable rainwater collection cisterns in accordance with Florida Department of Health procedures 48 R-1.1 Support legislation to establish a minimum 20% renewable portfolio standard R-1.2 Implement a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) or similar program for Monroe County residents and businesses. S-2.3 Evaluate the use of existing transfer stations for a community organics compost program. S-3.1 Lobby the State of Florida to allow local communities to regulate single-use plastic bags, to go containers, straws etc and implement such a program as soon as possible. Monroe County government should adopt Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) S-3.2 policies for their internal operations to set a positive example for other government entities and local businesses. 49 APPENDIX 6: POLICY ACTION ITEMS Policy Action Items MCAP 2.0 Description Action Item# M-2 1 Utilize the "Adaptation Action Area" designation to prioritize areas deemed most vulnerable to sea level rise and other climate change impacts. N-1.1 Adopt policies that promote conservation and environmental protection. Develop and implement adaptive planning and zoning policies, regulations and programs to B-2.1 ensure that appropriate land use, construction, mitigation and redevelopment activities address the potential impacts of sea level rise on Monroe County's infrastructure. R-1 1 Provide staff and resources to an inter-departmental task force to address energy efficiencies and adaptation needs for BOCC government operations. T-1.1 Adopt sustainable fleet policies. 50 APPENDIX C: ALL ACTION ITEMS All Action Items MCAP 2.0 Description Action Item # Provide resources and leadership to the Southeast Florida Climate Change Compact to L-1.1 advance mitigation and adaptation efforts to address the potential negative impacts related to climate variability and change. L-1 2 Provide advocacy and leadership for adoption of climate change policies and legislation with local, state, and federal entities. L-1.3 Maintain a community BOCC Climate Change Advisory Committee. L-1.4 Monroe County Events will be required to be carbon neutral. M-1 1 Seek technical support from state and federal agencies and universities for development of climate change scenarios appropriate for Monroe County. M-2 1 Utilize the "Adaptation Action Area" designation to prioritize areas deemed most vulnerable to sea level rise and other climate change impacts. Adopt overall long-range planning documents which account for vulnerability. Planning M-2.2 documents such as the Stormwater Master Plan, Capital Improvement Plan and the Roads and Bridges Plan should be revised to include current projections. M-3.1 Support a monitoring program to annually evaluate and observe climate change impacts and responses on the natural and built environments within Monroe County. Develop a Monroe County Communication Plan for outreach and education to business and E-1.1 residents regarding the potential impacts of climate change and sea level rise and potential mitigation and adaptation strategies to minimize those impacts. E-1.2 Develop and disseminate an educational toolkit for business owners and the public on how to offset carbon emissions. E-1.3 Leverage Art in Public Places to create materials to educate residents on climate change impacts. 51 E-2.1 Develop and promote green workforce capability within the County. E-2.2 Develop a Green Business Resiliency Guide and online certification platform. E-2.3 Encourage Growth of New Eco-Friendly Green Business. N-1.1 Adopt policies that promote conservation and environmental protection. N-1.2 Support partnerships for conservation. N-1.3 Promote government conservation land acquisition. N-1.4 Coordinate with state, regional and national strategic planning efforts to address the vulnerabilities of the natural environment to climate change impacts. Support the recommendations of the Florida Reef Resilience Program's "Climate Change N-1.5 Action Plan for the Florida Coral Reef System 2010-2015" through participation in recommended management, education and research areas, as appropriate. Promote and encourage policies that provide adaptive capacity to species and habitats to N-2.1 respond effectively to changing conditions, especially to those that are particularly vulnerable to climate change. N-2.2 Explore options to restore hydrology (e.g., mosquito ditches, canals.) N-2.3 Assess invasive species impacts. N-2.4 Evaluate and support protections and restoration programs in potential climate change affected natural habitats. N-3.1 Develop sustainable financing. 52 N-3.2 Identify, quantify, and maintain ecosystem services. N-3.3 Fund the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. N-4.1 Foster public awareness and promote communication on biodiversity and ecosystem services. N-4.2 Form a species dispersal and conservation group. N-5 1 Promote fisheries management approaches that account for range shifts and other climate change impacts and Create fisheries adaptation plans. N-5.2 Implement strategies for protection of coral reefs. Identify, protect, restore and enhance sites where `green infrastructure', alone or in N-5.3 combination with built infrastructure, can increase resilience of the natural and built environments. B-1.1 Promote Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles that encourage native flora and prohibit the spread of invasive exotics species (http://www.floridayards.org). Encourage creation of new community gardens, organic urban agriculture ("Just One B-1.2 Backyard"), and edible County campuses to reduce travel time and impacts to the environment. B-1.3 Encourage the planting of Green Rooftops on county facilities and residential property. B-1.4 Promote urban tree canopy. Develop and implement adaptive planning and zoning policies, regulations and programs to B-2.1 ensure that appropriate land use, construction, mitigation and redevelopment activities address the potential impacts of sea level rise on Monroe County's infrastructure. B-2 2 Revise Florida Statute to include financing stormwater protection and resiliency adaptations in the PACE program 53 Consider Land Development Regulations to increase energy efficiency, promote renewable B-3.1 energy systems, and other green construction practices, as well as storm readiness in excess of existing building codes for new and remodeled residential and commercial structures. B-3 2 Increase the use of pervious surfaces and decrease the use of impervious surfaces to reduce stormwater runoff. B-3.3 Strengthen regulation of noise and light pollution within the County. B-3.4 Employ a Stormwater Engineer. B-3 5 Require climate change adaptation training for contractors to learn green building practices and to protect the natural shoreline against sea level rise. B-3.6 Require buildings to be FGB or LEED Standard for residential and commercial development. B-3.7 Increase the ROGO incentives for energy and water conservation. Advocate for sustained implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan W-1.1 (CERP) projects that increase the flow of freshwater into lower east coast aquifers and Florida Bay for recharging the aquafer. W-1 2 Support climate change and conservation strategies of FKAA and SFWMD to protect the existing freshwater supply for Monroe County. W-1.3 Implement water conservation measures. W-2.1 Protect Wastewater Treatment Plants and collection systems from infiltration and inflow. W-3 1 Evaluate the reclamation and reuse of treated wastewater relative to potential benefits in addressing climate change impacts. W-3.2 Develop policies that encourage rain water harvesting and gray water reuse. 54 R-1 1 Provide staff and resources to an inter-departmental task force to address energy efficiencies and adaptation needs for BOCC government operations. R-1.2 Require solar water heating and energy systems on all new construction or redevelopment. R-1.3 Implement `fast track' solar permitting and support solar cooperatives. R-1.4 Encourage the electrical utilities, Florida Keys Electric Cooperative and Keys Energy Services, to adopt practices to increase use of renewable energy. R-1.5 Conduct local alternative energy studies to evaluate their feasibility in achieving the County's greenhouse gas emissions goals. R-1.6 Employ an Energy Manager. S-1.1 Develop County solid waste Master Plan disposal structure to enhance waste diversion. S-1 2 Adopt progressive, phased in, zero waste programs designed to be end user friendly for residents and businesses. S-1.3 Track the Solid Waste Master Plan through key performance indicators. Implement ordinances that encourage economic opportunities for recycling/reuse business S-1.4 ventures and reevaluate existing ordinances to remove restrictions that may discourage recycling. S-1.5 Monroe County will revise its plan to handle storm related solid waste. S-2 1 Develop goals, objectives and policies to expand local capacity to process recycled materials and promote development of reuse, recovery, and light manufacturing activities. S-2.2 Evaluate a Pay-As-You-Throw residential solid waste program. 55 S-2.3 Implement a community compost program. S-2 4 Develop a program for mandatory recycling for commercial (i.e. non-residential) businesses, government, agencies, and organizations. S-2 5 Develop goals, objectives and policies to increase recycling of recoverable waste from all construction sites throughout Monroe County. S-3.1 Lobby for Florida Home Rule. T-1.1 Adopt sustainable fleet policies. T-1.2 Encourage a functional county wide public transportation system and coordinate transportation-related adaptation policies across jurisdictional boundaries. T-1.3 Enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety and promote their use to reduce miles driven. T-1.4 Promote the infrastructure and encourage use of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles. T-1.5 Encourage creation of a Florida Keys Electric Highway. T-1.6 Develop raised commuter parking at transportation hubs to provide support for increased mass transit usage and to protect parked vehicles from sea level rise and storm surge. T-1.7 Develop solar structures. H-1.1 Assess and evaluate the Public Health impact of County government decisions and actions in accordance with the World Health Organization's definition of health. Recognize vulnerability as a complex phenomenon with social, economic, health, and H-1.2 cultural dimensions and incorporate this knowledge into planning and preparedness response activities. 56 H-1.3 Support improved collection of weather-related health data to monitor conditions of concern identified in the 2014 Health Impact Assessment of the Regional Climate Action Plan. Increase outreach and engagement to the healthcare community in the planning and H-1.4 emergency response processes via medical associations and established professional organizations. Support the allocation of resources to improve understanding of the public health impacts of H-1.5 regional industries such as tourism, agriculture, and healthcare to identify innovations which reduce related negative health consequences. Utilize the Florida Department of Health, Monroe County Emergency Management, and H-1.6 Federal Emergency Management Administration preparedness resources including trainings, templates, and continuity of operations planning tools for non-government entities. H-2 1 Convert current drinking fountains to water refilling hydration stations in all County facilities as equipment is replaced and new facilities are constructed. H-2.2 Construct shade structures at strategic County locations, including bus stops. H-2.3 Install `reef-safe' sunscreen dispensers on County properties, including County Parks and Recreational Areas. H-2.4 Maintain currently dedicated County resources to control the transmission of vector borne diseases through species and habitat management. 57