Vulnerable to climate change, Florida is one of the last states to set carbon neutrality goals. Like so many Florida residents, David S. Vogel and Thais Lopez Vogel have seen impacts directly related to carbon emissions. From increased flooding due to rising seas, costly
hurricane damage, and agricultural impacts from rising temperatures, our state is at the forefront of the climate crisis.
“We want to increase awareness in our home state so the general public knows that we need to change our policies to fix the problem.” says Thais Lopez Vogel.
In 2014, David and Thais formed VoLo Foundation using a data-driven approach to philanthropy, with the goal of educating the public to create a sustainable and secure planet for generations to come. Together, David and Thais have reached millions of Floridians with their data and research on the risks of global warming. VoLo Foundation supports over 30 different leadership NGO programs focused on, climate, health, and education.
David, an MIT graduate, predictive modeler, award-winning quant, and world-renowned data mining scientist has earned international recognition for his predictive modeling accuracy. Thais, a Venezuelan-born attorney and mother of six was named one of the 100 Most Influential Latinxs Committed to Climate Action. This power couple has long been known as a marriage that bridges the scientific community with the everyday people.
David, a hedge fund manager, employs a team of data scientists who have been uncovering the dire facts of climate change for years; and Thais, armed with elite knowledge, shares it with the public managing a robust communications team to ensure everyone who wants it, may become informed of what only environmental experts know.
On the radar for the VoLo couple now is the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, a bipartisan climate solution. The policy has the ability to drive down America’s carbon pollution, boost clean energy, while motivating and increasing low carbon investment.
Voting polls show economy is one of the top issues for Americans on both sides of the aisle. The Vogels explain how data confirms climate change as a threat multiplier with a devastating effect on the economy. – “We save about $0.02 cents per kWh by burning natural gas over solar energy, meanwhile carbon emissions in the atmosphere end up costing $0.12 cents per kWh in damages caused by increasing natural disasters, which comes out of our pockets through taxes and increased insurance premiums, It makes no economic sense whatsoever,” says David S Vogel.
When asked for the ‘Why’ behind their commitment, Thais replied, “We have six children and they are our life and our common ground. They are the driving force behind everything we do. As their parents, we have to preserve a future for them and for future generations.” As a mother, Thais supports climate youth activists, as she encourages her own children todo everything in their power to take action. “There is no future without environmental education” – Thais Lopez Vogel
The Vogels believe there is action for everyone to take, and raising public awareness about the growing impact of climate change is the most critical thing they can do. VoLo Foundation hosts “Florida Climate Week,” an annual event where businesses and residents learn how to make the switch to renewables in an effective and profitable way. It is the premier event in the State of Florida focused on climate action and solutions, and has received dozens of official Proclamations from Florida cities, and town lawmakers. Impactful change for the environment can only be achieved with the commitment and help of each and every Floridian.
How can you help in creating this change? Talk about climate change within your circle. You can learn the data at volofoundation.org to find ways to take action and help preserve Florida for future generations.
“We are the ones responsible for global warming. We have the IPCC report, which tells us we have until 2030 to act. That’s just 10 years. We have the tools to reverse it. Each person just needs to act.”- David S. Vogel
