Thais Lopez Vogel is the Co-Founder and Trustee of VoLo, where she plays a key role in setting priorities, approving strategies, and allocating resources. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Thais previously worked for PDVSA, a major global oil company. A visionary leader, she founded Florida Climate Week, the largest climate event in the Southeastern U.S., and is dedicated to advancing environmental awareness, childhood education, and global healthcare. Named one of the 100 Most Influential Latinos Committed to Climate Action multiple times, Thais also serves on various boards and community committees, including the Environmental Defense Fund and the American Red Cross. She holds a law degree from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello.
How do you think climate change is transforming the real estate sector, especially in areas vulnerable to hurricanes and storms?
Climate change is fundamentally reshaping real estate, especially in coastal and storm-prone regions. According to the U.S. Global Change Research Program, climate-related disasters cause over $150 billion in damages annually, with real estate among the hardest-hit sectors. Rising sea levels, intensified hurricanes, wildfires, and extreme precipitation make certain areas uninsurable and drive down property values. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects that sea levels could rise by up to one foot by 2050, increasing flood risk for millions of properties. Energy-efficient and disaster-resilient buildings will be crucial in maintaining real estate value and insurability in the coming years.
How can developers and property owners ensure that their investments are resilient to climate change in the long term?
Developers and property owners need to take a proactive approach to climate resilience.
Key strategies include:
- Elevating structures in flood-prone zones
- Investing in energy-efficient and net-zero buildings, which reduce reliance on vulnerable energy grids (Institute for Market Transformation)
- Using sustainable materials that withstand extreme weather
- Integrating green infrastructure such as permeable pavement and rooftop gardens to manage stormwater
Developers who integrate these strategies can secure green financing and tax incentives offered by HUD and local governments. At Climate Correction 2023, we were fortunate to speak with the developers and community managers of Babcock Ranch, a community that stands as a model for sustainable and resilient development. Located in Southwest Florida, Babcock Ranch was built to withstand climate impacts—and its resilience was tested when Hurricane Ian passed directly overhead, devastating much of the surrounding area. Unlike neighboring communities, Babcock Ranch never lost power thanks to its 700,000-panel solar farm and microgrid energy storage system, which kept homes and essential services running even during the storm. Beyond energy resilience, Babcock Ranch was designed with nature in mind. The community preserved native plant species and wetlands, integrating retention ponds and a carefully planned water management system to prevent flooding and water intrusion. This approach mimics Florida’s natural hydrology, allowing the land to absorb and redirect stormwater rather than overwhelming drainage systems. Babcock Ranch proves that climate-conscious planning is not only possible—it’s essential. By integrating renewable energy, sustainable land management, and climate-adaptive infrastructure, developers can ensure long-term resilience while creating livable, future-proof communities.
Tourism is an industry that heavily depends on climate. How does climate change affect tourist destinations, especially those near coastlines and high-risk areas?
Tourism is particularly vulnerable to climate change. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that rising temperatures, coastal erosion, coral reef bleaching, and extreme weather events will drastically affect global tourist destinations.
- The World Bank estimates that by 2050, tourism revenues in climate-sensitive regions could decline by up to 20% due to extreme heat, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss.
- Florida and California, for example, have already seen major beach erosion, disrupting the economies that rely on them.
- Hurricane damage to tourist infrastructure is becoming increasingly costly, with NOAA estimating over $1.4 trillion in damages from climate-related disasters in the past two decades.
- This underscores the need for sustainable tourism practices to protect fragile ecosystems while maintaining economic stability.
Do you see a future for ecotourism and more sustainable tourism initiatives as a solution to address these climate challenges?
Yes, ecotourism and sustainable tourism will be essential for climate adaptation. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)reports that sustainable tourism initiatives could reduce industry-related emissions by 50% by 2030 through energy efficiency, conservation efforts, and carbon offset programs.
Key solutions include:
- Eco-friendly accommodations that use renewable energy and waste-reduction practices
- Investing in climate-resilient coastal protection to maintain biodiversity and tourism appeal
- Encouraging carbon-neutral transportation options for travelers
Climate change is increasing the risk of natural disasters. How are insurance companies reacting to these growing risks?
Insurers are rapidly adjusting to increased climate risk. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), extreme weather events drive record losses, leading to higher premiums and reduced coverage options in high-risk areas. Rising costs are felt beyond high-risk areas because insurance companies distribute premium increases across the United States.
- In Florida and California, insurers have pulled out of certain markets entirely, citing unmanageable wildfire and hurricane risks.
- The Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA) projects that flood insurance premiums could increase by over 300% in some regions due to escalating risks.
This highlights the urgency for risk reduction strategies, such as resilient building designs and stronger land-use policies, to help stabilize insurance markets.
How should insurers and governments collaborate to provide adequate solutions to the growing vulnerability to natural disasters?
Some solutions include:
- Expanding government-backed insurance programs like the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) while incentivizing private insurers to remain in high-risk markets.
- Investing in resilience infrastructure to mitigate risks and lower insurance costs over time.
- Updating zoning laws and building codes to reduce vulnerability in climate-sensitive regions.
- Encourage elected officials to mitigate climate change by drawing down greenhouse gas emmissions.
Our partners at The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) have called for new financial models, including “parametric insurance” policies, which provide faster payouts after disasters based on predefined triggers like wind speed or rainfall levels.
How can technology and innovation assist in reconstructing areas affected by extreme climate phenomena?
Technology and innovation are pivotal in rebuilding communities impacted by extreme climate. An array of new companies are revolutionizing and innovating, some in metal production by developing methods to create metals without traditional mining. Their process significantly reduces environmental impact, making it ideal for reconstructing areas where mining may be unsustainable. Others specialize in advanced driver assistance systems, which enhance vehicle safety and fuel efficiency. In post-disaster scenarios, their technology can be crucial for transportation fleets, ensuring the safer and more efficient movement of goods. These companies demonstrate how integrating innovative technologies can accelerate recovery and build resilience in communities affected by climate-related disasters.
What are the next steps for VoLo Foundation in its approach to mitigating the effects of climate change?
At VoLo Foundation, we remain committed to funding climate science, resilience strategies, and educational initiatives. Some of our next steps include:
- Expanding partnerships with the CLEO Institute, EDF, and our other important partnersto drive policy change and community resilience programs.
- Funding climate data initiatives that enhance risk modeling and mitigation planning.
- Promoting youth climate education to ensure the next generation is equipped to tackle these challenges.
The concept of “climate correction” is gaining relevance. How would you define this concept, and what do you believe its importance is in the context of climate change?
Born out of the idea of a financial market correction, “climate correction” is about fixing an unsustainable system before it crashes. Just as markets adjust when prices spiral too high, we must correct our carbon emissions and environmental impact to avoid disaster. It’s a necessary reset for a livable future. Climate correction means transitioning to clean energy, building resilient infrastructure, and prioritizing nature-based solutions.
What role do you think education should play in the process of climate correction, both for local communities and for businesses?
“There is no future without environmental education.” -Thais Lopez Vogel, Trustee and Co-founder of VoLo Foundation. Education is the foundation of climate action. The CLEO Institute and IPCC emphasize that an informed public and workforce can drive policy and business changes. Empowering people with knowledge and solutions will accelerate progress toward a climate-resilient world.
VoLo Foundation supports:
- STEM education programs that integrate climate science
- Community climate literacy projects in underserved areas
- Corporate sustainability training to help businesses align with climate goals
Can you tell us a little about the VoLo-sponsored projects/programs for innovation to help climate change?
At VoLo Foundation, we are dedicated to accelerating global impact through science-based climate solutions. Our commitment is reflected in several key initiatives:
- Climate Correction™ Conference:As the premier annual climate action event in the U.S., this conference brings together experts, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss and implement innovative strategies addressing climate change.
- Florida Climate Week™:This event unites stakeholders across the state to focus on solutions to reduce carbon emissions and enhance community resilience against the changing climate.
- Climate Correction Podcast& El Podcast Corrección Climática: Education is a cornerstone of climate action. Through expert interviews, these podcasts provide real-time insights on climate solutions, including resilience strategies for real estate, sustainable tourism initiatives, and insurance innovations to address climate risk.
This list only outlines a few of the many projects VoLo sponsors. You can see all our work at www.volofoundation.org. Combining policy advocacy, public awareness, and expert-driven education, we ensure that our work mitigates climate change and helps industries adapt and thrive in a changing world.
