In Episode 104 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Dawn Shirreffs to discuss Florida’s environmental challenges and the critical steps needed to address them. From the impact of major hurricanes on local infrastructure to the rising costs of insurance, this conversation examines how policies and nature-based solutions like mangroves can protect communities. Dawn, representing the Environmental Defense Fund, shares insights on renewable energy, flood zone awareness, and why resilience planning is essential for the state’s future. This episode is a deep dive into the strategies shaping Florida’s approach to these pressing issues.
0:01:20 - Environmental Defense Fund’s Florida focus
0:02:15 - Mangroves for storm surge protection
0:03:17 - Insurance challenges and development risks
0:06:24 - Hurricanes, heat, and climate change
0:09:32 - Mitigating storm impacts in Florida
0:12:33 - Mangroves as natural storm defense
0:18:23 - Resilience projects and state funding
0:24:17 - Transition to renewable solar energy
0:32:52 - Federal incentives for clean energy
0:54:45 - FEMA maps and flood risks
