The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy: Climate Action in Florida

Florida is on the front lines of the climate crisis. Every day we see the effects of climate change, with more frequent and intense storms, record-breaking temperatures, and rising ocean tides. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is working to ensure a livable climate and to protect our vulnerable communities — in Florida and beyond.

Science-Based Approach 

With more than 1,000 scientists on staff, TNC provides unparalleled scientific expertise and conducts vital research to inform innovative solutions and policies that protect our planet and people. In Florida and Miami, TNC’s climate action projects include: 

• Quantifying the economic benefits of climate action: TNC is studying the economic benefits associated with reducing emissions in Florida to identify climate action opportunities across various industries, like agriculture and transportation. This study will help TNC engage with policymakers and industry leaders on climate-forward decisions and investments.
• Combining solar and environmental services: TNC is developing a series of “agrovoltaics” projects to promote sustainable land use with additional economic and resilience benefits. These projects combine solar arrays with low-growing, shade friendly agriculture, like strawberries, native pollinator plants, or grazing livestock, as pictured above. 

The Power of Partnerships 

To protect communities and promote a more sustainable future, TNC partners with a diverse group of climate and conservation champions in Florida. A few of our partners are listed here:

• Miami-Dade Innovation Authority (MDIA): TNC has partnered with the newly formed MDIA to provide subject matter expertise and technical guidance to early- and growth-stage startups. These startup businesses will conduct pilot projects that integrate emerging technologies to address Miami’s most urgent challenges — including the impacts of climate change. 
• Climate Collaboratives: TNC is the convener of the state’s eight regional climate collaboratives, made up of leading local governments across the state that collectively represent 80% of Floridians. 
• Florida Legislature: Key allies in the legislature rely on TNC for science-based, accurate information to guide climate-smart policies and awareness campaigns. TNC works across the political spectrum to leverage demonstration projects to encourage state funding and policy support for conservation initiatives.

Delivering Impact at Scale 

The power of philanthropy is in catalyzing additional public and private investment. Recent landmark federal legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), has created an unprecedented opportunity to fuel innovation and accelerate climate action. TNC is working to make sure Florida benefits. 

• Resilient Solar for the Miccosukee Tribe: TNC is partnering with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida to develop a solar microgrid with storage that will serve as a community-scale model for energy resilience and many other community benefits. TNC is pursuing a $5 million Department of Energy grant and identifying other funding streams and philanthropic sources to make this project a reality. 
• Solar For All: TNC is a coalition lead in a $250 million federal grant application to support for rooftop solar for low-income households in Florida — potentially benefiting 15,000+ Florida families. 

TNC’s Model in Action

Over the last decade, TNC established several feasibility projects in South Florida to effectively demonstrate to state policymakers the economic and ecological benefits of nature-based solutions for coastal resilience. 

Within these projects, TNC proved that green infrastructure/living shorelines, such as mangroves and oyster reefs, help protect communities from storm surges and rising tides. Thanks to TNC’s leadership in this area, state funding for coastal resilience projects using nature-based solutions more than doubled. In 2023, the Resilient Florida Grant Program awarded $275 million to 75 resilience projects — expanding nature-based solutions around the state.

How You Can Expand TNC's Impact

However, the scale of the climate crisis is unprecedented. To achieve our goals and ensure that Florida benefits from innovative, transformative, enduring climate action, we must raise unprecedented funding.

Your broad and generous philanthropic support of TNC’s climate action work in Florida will empower our climate experts to take act nimbly and strategically on the most critical opportunities. Together, we can advance climate strategies that have the greatest potential impacts, creating a Florida where people and nature thrive.

Thank you for your support of The Nature Conservancy in Florida on #GiveMiamiDay.