The purpose of the Climate Change Element (CCE) is to provide a planning framework for addressing the economic, environmental, and social impacts of climate change. A county-wide strategy, based on local vulnerability and consistent with regional efforts, the CCE aims to mitigate the causes, and address the local implications, of global climate change.

Broward County recognizes the widespread international scientific consensus that climate change is occurring, and that greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels, may be a contributing cause. Furthermore, they understand that our region, Southeast Florida, is extremely vulnerable to sea level rise and other climate change impacts. Because of these global and local realities, Broward County has made reducing carbon emissions and protecting and preparing residents, businesses, and natural resources from the unavoidable consequences of climate change, a priority.

Sea level rise is just one of many possible impacts our community is facing because of changing climate conditions. Additionally, the frequency and intensity of tropical storms and hurricanes is predicted to increase. Similarly, while projections for average precipitation vary greatly, changes in the intensity and timing of rainfall is likely lead to increased incidents of both flooding and drought.