Interactive workshop led by climate scientist Katie Mach and artist Xavier Cortada aimed to help Miami-Dade prepare for a future with rising seas
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Moonlighter FabLab
1661 Pennsylvania Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139
On Saturday, May 11th, the Xavier Cortada Foundation and the University of Miami’s U-LINK research team hosted an innovative workshop titled “Creative Visioning: Imagining a Resilient Miami-Dade.” The event brought together climate scientist Dr. Katie Mach, artist Xavier Cortada, and other local leaders to harness the collective creativity and insights of the community.
The workshop engaged participants in guided visioning activities designed to provoke thoughtful discussions and foster innovative and practical solutions to address Miami-Dade’s climate vulnerabilities. Attendees from diverse backgrounds collaborated in a series of activities focused on imagining the future of Miami-Dade.
During the event, participants explored two contrasting scenarios for the year 2100. The first discussion focused on what Miami-Dade is expected to look like considering the potential impacts of up to 7 feet of sea level rise. The second session allowed participants to envision an optimistically resilient Miami-Dade, highlighting possible solutions and adaptive strategies to counteract climate challenges.
Dr. Katie Mach, professor and chair of the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, & Earth Science, shared her expertise on climate migration and retreat in South Florida. Xavier Cortada, Miami-Dade County’s inaugural Artist-in-Residence and a professor of practice at the University of Miami, facilitated the discussions, encouraging participants to think creatively about the future.
The event was a unique opportunity for community members to contribute to the dialogue on climate resilience and to brainstorm actionable steps towards a more sustainable and adaptive Miami-Dade. Through collaborative efforts, the workshop highlighted the importance of community involvement in addressing climate change and fostering a resilient future for all.
