Environmentally Speaking is intended to alert, inform and educate residents of Collier and Lee counties regarding educational events and threats that challenge our unique and delicate Southwest Florida ecosystem.

January 7 – Waging Peace: Global Adventures of a Lifelong Activist, 6:30 p.m.

The talk by David Hartsough at the Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson St., in Fort Myers, is a testament to the difference one person can make and includes stories of his work in peacemaking and building nonviolent movements. Tinyurl.com/WagingPeaceEvent.

January 11 – Citizen’s Climate Lobby Climate Advocate Training. from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. 

The Fort Myers CCL Chapter’s half-day workshop at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers, 13411 Lane Shire, covers CCL history, mission, values and more, with interactive breakout sessions and a mock meeting with a member of congress. 

January 25 – Art for Nature Fundraiser and Student Art Contest, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Clean Water Now’s art contest for children that use upcycled materials in their art is aimed at building children’s awareness of the impact of trash in the environment. Millennial Brewing Company, 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Fort Myers. Music, vegetarian food, exhibits and vendors. Proceeds support Rights of Nature Movement in Lee county. $5 donation at entry. More information at Facebook.com/CleanWaterNowInc. 239-898-2044 

January 25 - The Estero Bay is in trouble: What Citizens Can Do To Help, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Cela Tega 2020 conference at the Florida Gulf Coast University ballroom at the Cohen Center, 10501 FGCU Boulevard South, in Fort Myers includes presentations by experts in science, policy and civic engagement that will help residents obtain knowledge, information and skills to be a positive influence in addressing problems of excess nutrients in our waters causing red tide and blue-green cyanobacteria blooms. The economic vitality of the region is based on a healthy environment for visitors and residents alike, which is why this conference is important to all Southwest Florida residents.   

February 6 through 8 - 26th annual Public Interest Environmental Conference (PIEC) - The Rights of Nature: Defending our Biosphere.

PIEC promotes an understanding of the legal aspects of environmental protection, serving and informing individuals as to the necessity for improvements in environmental legal protection, fostering the development of sound environmental legislation, measuring the effects of environmental litigation and assisting other groups involved in environmental education. The conference brings together private citizens, legal practitioners, academics and policy makers to discuss preeminent issues surrounding a different environmental theme each year. A keynote speaker this year is Thomas Linzey, cofounder and executive director of the Community Environmental Defense Fund. UFpiec.org.