General Climate Change Information

The Earth's climate is changing, and these changes will impact the natural resources, public health and infrastructure here in Sarasota. As a City we are prioritizing planning for sea level rise, increased storm surge, and more extreme rain and heat events.

What are we doing?

Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments and Adaptation Plans

2024: The City of Sarasota is committed to protecting our community from the impacts of flooding, sea level rise, and extreme weather. Through a detailed Vulnerability Assessment, we’ve identified areas and assets most at risk and developed an Adaptation Plan to enhance resilience and safeguard our future. This effort will guide infrastructure upgrades, natural resource protection, and community-focused solutions to ensure a safer, more sustainable Sarasota. View the Preparing for Our Future story map to learn more.

2018: The Sarasota City Commission approved the Climate Adaptation Plan in January 2018. This plan reviewed over 200 city-owned assets and identified more than 50 as vulnerable to future climate conditions. The plan also identified high-level strategies for protecting and preserving those assets. View the plan: Climate Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan.

Sarasota Climate Stories

The City’s Sustainability team collaborated with the Climate Council of Sarasota-Manatee to produce four local mini-documentaries that explain the impacts of sea level rise, coastal flooding, heat and agriculture in Sarasota and Manatee counties. They can be accessed on demand at any time on the Science and Environment Council’s website here

. 1 Climate Stories mosaic

Communitywide and Operational Greenhouse Gas Inventory Reports (GHGIs)

See the most recent Community-wide Greenhouse Gas Report and operational GHGIs The results show a 33% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (climate pollution) community-wide from 2003 - 2018 and a 23% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2003 to 2015. The City is working toward meaningful greenhouse gas reductions both community-wide and within city operations, building on progress from earlier efforts.

Collaboration & Outreach

We work closely with other local governments, non-profit, and academic organizations throughout the region to discuss climate, sea level rise, and adaptation issues. The City is a member of the Climate Council of Sarasota Manatee, a facilitated network of practitioners focused on bringing cross-sector collaboration to inform projects, policies and education around climate issues. Additionally, we present often on the climate adaptation work or sustainability efforts to neighborhood, business, or faith-based groups. If you would like to request a presentation or any other outreach please contact Alia Garrett, Sustainability and Resilience Manager at Alia.Garrett@SarasotaFL.gov or 941-263-6296.

What You Can Do

	Get Perspective - Calculate your carbon footprint - Half of the American personal footprint results from just four things: driving, electricity, natural gas and red meat. Find out your own footprint and strive to reduce it EPA Carbon Footprint Calculator.
	Food Waste - Eat more of the food you buy. It may seem simple but this one action in preventing food waste can often cut your footprint by up to a quarter!
	Energy Reduction & Efficiency - Take steps to ensure you're only using the amount of energy you really need and then make sure your home is as efficient as possible.
	Low Carbon Food Choices - Eating more low carbon foods can both slash your footprint and improve your diet. When it comes to emission, foods vary enormously. Due to their feed requirements and methane (climate pollution) production and processing, red meat and dairy products are typically very carbon intensive. Removing red meat or dairy even for one day a week can drastically impact our footprint.
	Transportation - Walk, bike, or use public transportation and efficient cars as much as possible.
	Purchases - Choose quality over quantity when purchasing items. Avoid plastic packaging and single-use items as much as possible. Spending money on local services instead of local goods can also impact your personal footprint.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Word Viewer