CLEO Project on Climate Bridging the Divide Between Science and Society

CLEO Project on Climate Bridging the Divide Between Science and Society

Innovation

The CLEO Institute and its programs are growing tremendously. Our first formal initiative, The CLEO Project on Climate, is designed to bridge the divide between science and society and create an informed and engaged citizenry on this urgent issue.

We have now expanded efforts significantly and introduced the broader community to The CLEO Project on Climate. Phases I and II encourage participants to FIND and SHARE their voices on climate change issues. Each month, we log hundreds of individual responses to the Phase I question, “What is climate change all about and what’s my role?” CLEO continues to partner with Dr. Hal Wanless and the University of Miami, Department of Geological Sciences, to provide advanced training to individuals as part of the Empowering Capable Climate Communicators Training Series. Other collaborations include working with Florida International University to discuss

Education

current climate change education and engagement on and off campus.

We have also broadened the scope of work for the Youth Task Force by adding professional and leadership development components to monthly meetings. Additionally, we have established five CLEO Councils in schools, composed of parent, teacher, and student leaders, to work with their schools on CLEO initiatives, green logs, and develop solar/PV projects. Moreover, The CLEO Society, a group of concerned citizens, was formed to spearhead fundraising initiatives in support of The CLEO Project on Climate.

At the core of The CLEO Institute is the mission to advance environmental literacy and civic engagement by forging partnerships with schools, colleges, community groups, businesses, foundations, government entities, and other not-for-profit organizations. CLEO expands the scope of

educational opportunities, and hosts workshops for the CLEO Councils in schools on photovoltaic projects. We also organize film screenings with intergenerational panel discussions. Thus far Carbon Nation, The Lorax, Bangladesh - A Climate Trap, and Over the Hedge were screened and CLEO sponsored the film The Island President at the ECOMB Miami and the Beaches Environmental Film Festival. Also, our 1-Day and 2- Day Trainings provide a more formal setting to learn about the causes and impacts of Climate Change. Trainees then become eligible to join our Phase II Speakers Network.

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advancing environmental literacy and civic engagement

CLEO also engages and educates diverse audiences by presenting to schools, colleges/universities and organizations about The CLEO Project on Climate. Caroline also joined Dr. Hal Wanless, University of Miami Professor and CLEO Board Member, on an interview by Jim Defede of CBS4’s Facing South Florida to discuss how rising sea levels will affect South Florida, and The CLEO Institute’s role in engaging the public around the climate change conversation.

Recently, the CLEO Institute hosted a Science Café titled “Ask the

Climate Experts”. The audience engaged a panel comprised of an environmental lawyer, government official, and two university professors. CLEO is also proud to announce that, in December 2012, Caroline Lewis was appointed to the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Environmental Education Advisory Council, charged with proposing national priorities for environmental education. And, in April 2013 she was recognized as a White House Champion of Change for building

community resilience for the impacts of climate change.

Celebration

The CLEO Institute’s Board of Directors hosts an Annual Celebration to induct members into the CLEO Leadership Circle, and to recognize CLEO’s partners and supporters, scientists, Advisory Council, youth leaders, the CLEO Councils in schools, and local “Green” Mayors. Last year, more than 150 attendees participated, with special performances from the CLEO Youth Task Force and Palmetto Middle School’s dancers: RECYCLE Gangnam Style!

Attendees also heard from featured guest speaker Harvey Ruvin, Clerk of the Courts for Miami-Dade County. Mayor Cindy Lerner, Village

of Pinecrest; Mayor Philip K. Stoddard, South Miami; Mayor Shelley Stanczyk, Palmetto Bay; and Mayor Ed MacDougall, Cutler Bay, were all recognized for their achievements in progressing PACE and other green agendas in South Florida and setting an example for other local leaders.

Annually, CLEO’s Advisory Council and Youth Task Force create excitement at Pinecrest Garden’s Earth Day. We recruit attendees to answer: “What is climate change all about, and what’s my role?” and

celebrate solar and

P/V energy with models, demonstrations and interactive activities for all ages.

CLEO Staff also attends conferences and workshops such as: The Hydrology of the Everglades FAU workshop, the SE Florida Climate Compact Summit, the CEQ and USDA round tables, the Sea Level Rise Conference, APGA Conference, the ABC Continuity Forum, NEEAC meetings, and the Women and the Environment Summit at the White House.

Please visit our website frequently for current news and events!

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