Climate Action and Education InitiativeJU Climate Innovation Challenge

Three challenge participants holding a big check and smiling.

Jacksonville University'sCommitment to Climate Action

Jacksonville University is positioned on the banks of the St. Johns River, where the university community feels the effects of climate change—storm surges, warm temperatures, polluted waters—every day and works to combat it. As scientists, educators, and policy experts, we understand that it is our duty to take action to protect the campus community, Jacksonville, and the greater state of Florida. Therefore, the University has launched an educational and innovative climate initiative, the Jacksonville University Climate Innovation Challenge

In partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Law, Marine Science Research Institute, and the Public Policy Institute, the Climate Innovation Challenge hosts events that empower our community to develop approaches to our environmental challenges that raise awareness, change behavior, promote focused research, stimulate corporate actions, or launch innovative solutions.

Climate innovation challenge 2023 winners:

Andy Bruck with Musicians’ Association of Jacksonville: "Climate Crisis Poetry Contest for Duval County Public Schools High School Students" - $10,000

Danté Jennings, Ashantae Green, and Ivy Henderson with GreenLiningJax: "Tree Canopy Project and The Development of a Leadership Cohort Program Focused on Providing Training to Emerging BIPOC Leaders" - $7,500

Clifford Miller with Dragonville: "Food Fight" - $2,500

Climate Innovation Competition

During this "Shark Tank" style grant competition, members of the Northeast Florida community presented their climate problem-solving or awareness proposals for the opportunity to win funding. 

This grant competition is interdisciplinary and welcomed participants from the arts, humanities, sciences, medical and health services, engineering, business, military offices, law, public policy, and government.

Prize money might be used, for example, but not limited to, developing a play, documentary, a needed research project, a legislative or regulatory proposal, an invention, a new business, civil education program, or a community project.

Andy Bruck, presenting his idea, Climate Crisis Poetry Contest for Duval County Public Schools High School Students.

2023 Finalists' Presentations

Clifford Miller, presenting his climate solution idea, "Food Fight."

The members of Greenlining Jax, presenting their ideas for a Tree Canopy Project and Leadership Cohort Program.

The members of GreenLiningJax, presenting their ideas for a Tree Canopy Project and Leadership Cohort Program.

Andy Bruck, with his big check won for "Climate Crisis Poetry Contest for Duval County Public Schools High School Students."

Andy Bruck, with his big check won for "Climate Crisis Poetry Contest for Duval County Public Schools High School Students."

Clifford Miller, with his big check won for "Food Fight."

Clifford Miller, with his big check won for "Food Fight."

A group of panelists sitting at a table on a stage.

Florida's Future:Navigating Global Climate Change

This panel was held in conjunction with the Climate Innovation Challenge, on March 30, 2023. Panelists discussed global climate change and its impact on Jacksonville and the state of Florida. 

Panelists included:

  • Dr. Esther Mullens: Assistant Professor of Geography at UF (Gainesville)
  • Mr. David Zierden: State Climatologist of Florida (Tallahassee)
  • Ms. Lisa Rinaman: St. Johns Riverkeeper (Jacksonville)
  • Ms. Anne Coglianese: Chief Resiliency Officer for the City of Jacksonville

Contact Us

For more information on this event, please contact Wendy Parrish in the College of Arts & Sciences Dean's office.

Contact Information College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Office

Phone: (904) 256-7881
Email: coas@ju.edu