Climate Impact & Vulnerabilities — Everglades + Rural South Dade

Miami is often referred to as “ground zero” when it comes to sea-level rise. The 2017 Preliminary Resiliency Assessment from Resilient305, a member of the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities network, presented a stark picture of the “Shocks and Stresses” facing Miami’s natural systems which are strained by climate change and urbanization. Everglades restoration is considered south Florida’s best strategy to protect drinking water supplies, provide natural buffers from flooding, and reduce carbon. Visitors to South Beach rarely appreciate that national parks, marine protected areas, marine sanctuaries and water management areas make up 2/3 of Miami-Dade county lands. South Florida is home to the largest ecosystem restoration project ever undertaken and a world famous coral Florida coral reef tract that is as unique as the giant sequoias in California or network geysers of Wyoming. Our visit to the Everglades National Park will provide and in depth look at the significant challenges facing Greater Miami in protecting its natural systems, and options we have to address them. We will meet nonprofit leaders from Miami Waterkeeper and South Florida National Parks Trust — two local nonprofits who are working to protect remarkable natural places in South Florida from climate risk, which have vast benefits for our low-lying urban environment and our economy.

Please note: Busses will begin loading for this site session at the Loews at 10:15 am