What We Can Do

Many Resources Are Available, Locally through Nationally

You Can Make A Difference

Many environmental and economic issues have been introduced in the prior webpages with science, economics, and policy references. You may be interested in what we can do to better plan for ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. Many common-sense steps can go a long way in ensuring a healthy and prosperous region and country.

Five focus areas where you can make a difference follow. All of these areas overlap among each other; working together in and across these scales will help develop stronger, healthier communities for all.

Source: Student Organization for Sustainability Action, Florida Tech

The IRL, the Coastal Ocean, and You

Source: F. Mays

Along the Indian River Lagoon, including the Space Coast and Treasure Coast, the Marine Resources Council has helped initiate and coordinate actions among six counties for over 30 years with partner institutions, many linked below. The MRC produces the annual Indian River Lagoon Report which assesses trends for five major lagoon basins. As coastal waters become hotter, lagoon-friendly landscaping can reduce the chances of algal blooms, fish kills, and other impacts with easy guidelines for water and fertilizer use. At the scale of communities, Low Impact Development practices (LID) are essential for growing populations (EPA, 2013; FDEP, 2019; MRC, 2025). A partial list of other important organizations working the length of the Indian River Lagoon includes:

Homes and Businesses

There are many choices that homeowners and businesses can make to produce less CO2 pollution. For example, the websites of many organizations have information on options from building energy efficiency to landscaping (e.g., UNEP, 2024; many web links on this page). Native trees and plants not only help protect the lagoon and coastal ocean, they also can help reduce the heat-signatures of buildings. Encouraging your friends and customers to take steps accelerates positive outcomes.

Rooftop solar panels reduce carbon footprints while saving money down the road, with an average 25-year savings of $39,044 for Florida residents who go solar. The solar panel market continues to grow nationally with lower costs and solid returns bringing in buyers. Small-scale solar generating capacity is projected to increase nationally (Energy Information Administration, 2025). Here is a database of incentives for clean energy in Florida.

Additional resources include:

Source: D. Schroeder, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Local Government

Source: Satellite Beach City Hall, Balance for Earth

The City of Orlando has an electric vehicle fleet that is not vulnerable to gasoline distribution delays, in addition to many other sustainability innovations. Many cities are also considering solar panels for new construction or renovations to save money, reduce carbon emissions, and be more hurricane-prepared (e.g., RMI, 2017). A link from the City of Satellite Beach summarizes impacts from 3 projects: Energy Efficiency Upgrades, City Hall Solar Power, and Conversion of Street Lights to LED. This and other resources are real-world examples to inform other cities about potential upgrades.

City and county governments can lead-by-example for innovative home and business owners (e.g., Carbon Neutral Cities, 2020). Satellite Beach, Melbourne Beach, and Cape Canaveral are among the IRL municipalities developing initiatives that include renewable energy projects, energy efficient operations, and sustainable landscaping. Contact your city or county to learn how they are reducing carbon emissions or preparing for climate change effects (e.g., increased stormwater flooding, sea level rise) and using best practices in sustainability and resilience (e.g., municipal energy efficiency practices, solar powered buildings, electric vehicles). To learn how to get more involved in non-partisan government policy, contact resources such as the Space Coast League of Women Voters.

Additional resources include:

State and Regional Government

Source: State of Florida

There is much overlap among local and state Florida actions and the more coordinated across scales, the better. The focus of Florida’s new Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection includes “preparing Florida’s coastal communities and state-managed lands from the effects of sea level rise, coastal flooding, erosion and future storms.”. Engaging with this office and other Florida state agencies working on climate change issues can be highly valuable (e.g., Fish & Wildlife Commission, Dept. of Agriculture).

There is a statewide array of regional planning councils and our region’s East Central Florida Regional Planning Council and Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council are developing climate planning for future evacuation routes and long-term adaptation.

You can contact your state and regional representatives to inquire about actions that are being implemented for the IRL and our coastal ocean. Ask that the state invest in and re-incentivize renewable energy for cleaner governments, businesses, and homes. Upgrading building codes and growth management tools for diverse 21st century challenges is highly recommended (e.g., the Fourth National Climate Assessment (USGCRP, 2018) and East Central Florida Resiliency Action Plan).

Additional resources for all scales include:

National Government

Source: Citizen's Climate Lobby

Many important drivers of climate change occur at the national level and these facets of policy are not always black and white. For example, Congress has a bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus with members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate working on efforts to advance smart climate solutions. One solution put forward by Republicans and Democrats is a carbon fee and dividend policy. Such policies can drive down carbon pollution while unleashing American technology innovations. You can learn more about one such bill at Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act.

Citizens Climate Lobby works with many national and local leaders on bi-partisan legislation to price carbon and give the proceeds directly to Americans via dividend checks to spend as they wish. If you’d like more information, contact the Space Coast Chapter of CCL or the Treasure Coast Chapter of CCL. Members are encouraged to write or call members of Congress.

Communicating with elected officials is essential. Let them know that you care about climate change and that we need effective solutions - soon. This link will help you identify and contact your elected officials. Yale Climate Connections (2023) has tips for lobbying your elected officials about climate change.