The waves softly hit the Florida coastline, loosening grains of sand that disappear forever in the great depths of the water. Florida is one of the most recognized states in the United States as a peninsula surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Known for its sandy beaches, beautiful ocean life, and warm temperatures year round, Florida is the target destination for millions of people. Whether it is vacationing at Disney, sightseeing at the Everglades, relaxing on the beach, or escaping the cold temperatures, Florida is regarded as a global paradise. 

However, as a result, it also makes Florida more susceptible to climate change whether that be through rising sea levels, global warming, pollution, and powerful hurricanes.  

“People come to visit and unfortunately, that means that the state is going to have a toll taken against it,” said environmental teacher and Global Studies sponsor Lori Shaw. “Young people understand that this is their state and that they need to take care of it, because those who visit aren’t necessarily behind preserving it for their children, they’re here for today and they’re gone tomorrow. “

Although there are ways to support the environment on a larger scale, it’s important to acknowledge that change starts on a small scale. Therefore, Cape Coral High School needs to have an environmental Club. 

Elizabeth Kominar, past sponsor of the environmental Club and now retired, ran the environmental Club for more than six years at Cape High. The club was responsible for participating in Envirothon, organizing cleanups, and collecting recycling around the school. 

Envirothon is an annual environmental competition that takes place across the country and tests students on different environmental issues and topics. By opening up this opportunity to the school, students interested in environmental science will have an option to explore their interests while learning more about the environment.  

“Mrs. Kominar [ran environmental club] for many years, and she was very good at it,” said biology teacher Jodie Godwin. “They won a lot of challenges, too; they used to work within the Envirothon. Well, the environment is very important and it’s a way to bring kids together, learn about the environment and have a lot of fun because a lot of stuff they do is outdoors at the park.”

Florida is also home to the largest tropical wilderness in the United States, the Everglades. The 1.5 million acres of the Everglades provides water for more than eight million residents and is home to hundreds of endangered species. 

The creation of an environmental club would ensure that there is adequate advocacy and student voice when it comes to protecting the Everglades as well as other natural environments. 

“I would hope that an environmental club would take the young people outside to enjoy and appreciate the natural resources that we have and focus on conservation and how important it is that they’re cared for, so they’re available for future generations,” said Shaw. 

The 825 miles of Florida beaches also need to be protected, and that can be supported by arranging biweekly cleanups as well as participating in nationwide events such as the Great American Cleanup. Part of the environmental club would also be supporting the community after hurricanes and combating the damage to the beach, coastline, and wildlife. This becomes even more urgent after the years of harsh red tides that local beaches have faced.

Informing other students and community leaders of the dangers of global warming and rising sea level, and how to prevent them would also be a critical point of the club. A key part is also about preventing pollution to sea life like turtles and manatees by collecting the school-wide recycling and disposing of it at a proper facility.  

“I think Gen Z has more inventive towards saving the environment, as now it’s more important than ever to keep the Earth healthy,” said senior Dakota Downey. “The environmental club could help protect the environment by teaching students to make environmentally friendly decisions in everyday life.”

Even though other clubs such as Key Club and Global Studies work to help the environment, a club specifically for the environment would allow students to have a laser focus on what they want to change and influence. 

“We definitely need someone to step up and do that because I’m leaving, Mrs. Shaw is leaving and we need some new blood in here,” said Godwin.