Representatives From Miami-Dade County Speak at First Ever International Conference on Communities Preparing for Climate Change

June 8, 2010

A few days ago, a delegation from Miami-Dade County, Florida spoke at the first international conference on local climate adaptation: Resilient Cities 2010. Speaking to an audience of scientists, practitioners, and other local governments, the County spoke about their aggressive efforts to lessen their vulnerability to climate change impacts.

The delegation from Miami Dade County was led by County Commissioner Natacha Seijas on behalf of Mayor Carlos Alvarez, the Director of the Office of Sustainability, Susanne Torriente and the County’s Climate Change Coordinator, Nichole Hefty. Speaking in front of representatives from around the world, the County shared detailed information about local demographics, historical and current environmental leadership activities, and existing and forecasted changes in climate. Based on the presentation made by the County, audience members broke up into small groups to discuss strategies the County could employ to increase resilience to climate change impacts. Strategies identified ranged from strategic beach re-nourishment and incentivizing development at higher elevations to making sure stakeholders understand the full costs of inaction.

Miami-Dade County was one of only five communities selected globally to participate in the Resilient Cities Conference in a special session called “Reality Check.” Other communities selected to lead “Reality Check” sessions included: London; Durban; Dhaka; and Quito.

“Miami Dade County is a national and international leader in regards to climate adaptation,” remarks Missy Stults, ICLEI USA’s Climate Adaptation Manager. “The County has taken extensive steps to ensure that climate considerations are integrated into existing decision making processes and has further demonstrated its leadership by working to seamlessly unite energy efficiency, smart growth, sustainability, and climate adaptation into one holistic planning process.”

To learn more about the Resilient Cities Conference, see: http://resilient-cities.iclei.org/bonn2010/home/.