The Broward County Commission started the process in June, 2008 by resolving to create a Climate Change Task Force with 23 volunteer members from the environmen- tal, scientific, governmental, transportation, law enforce- ment, and business communities. The task force invited leaders from various fields within the community (such as natural resource management, clean energy, water, transportation, and recycling) to form subcommittees and develop recommendations in seven areas: economic and social issues, greenhouse gas reduction, intergov- ernmental affairs and communications, natural systems adaptation, property and infrastructure, renewable and alternative energy, and scientific and technical aspects.
The subcommittees met monthly between February 2009 and December 2009 to develop recommendations. They received input and guidance from County staff,
metropolitan planning organizations, the Department of Transportation, and others to ensure that the recom- mendations were feasible and compatible with County and regional long-term plans. The task force then shaped and prioritized the recommendations and pre- pared the final Climate Change Action Plan.
I was asked to join the Greenhouse Gas Reduction sub- committee to help shape recommendations related to the County’s urban forest resources. During the process, I worked with a heterogeneous group of stakeholders and experts, including architects, lawyers, planners, builders, entrepreneurs, researchers, alternative energy repre- sentatives, and environmental advocates. Everybody involved was a volunteer—demonstrating that there were strong feelings about the need for local action.
Live oaks (Quercus virginiana) line a downtown street in Dania Beach, Florida. Photo by Justin Freedman 26 City Trees
