Miami's Climate Crisis: Investing in Resilience, Adaptation and Mitigation with Sonia Brubaker and Sonia Succar Ferré

In this episode of the Climate Correction Podcast, guests Sonia Brubaker and Sonia Succar Ferré delve into the critical work being done by the City of Miami Forever Bond Board to address the city's escalating climate crisis. With a $400 million bond passed to combat the impacts of flooding, extreme heat, and a myriad of climate-related challenges, the City of Miami is taking significant steps toward  a more resilient future. The city has also declared a climate emergency and has committed to becoming net zero by 2050.

The session kicks off with a discussion of the dire climate situation facing Miami, emphasizing the urgency of the bond's initiatives. Brubaker and Succar Ferré bring to light how the funding from the bond is being allocated to implement nature-based solutions that can mitigate climate risks while also enhancing the city's green infrastructure.

One key highlight is the recent legislative developments aimed at incorporating more nature-based solutions into infrastructure projects. The hosts detail how Miami is embracing innovative approaches to adaptation and mitigation, including green roofs, urban forests, and sustainable drainage systems. These measures not only enhance climate resilience but also improve the overall quality of life for Miami's residents.

Another crucial topic covered is the forthcoming RFP (Request for Proposals) ordinance and resilience checklist, which are set to transform the way firms bid on bond projects. By diversifying the pool of bidders to include more landscape architects and climate scientists, the City of Miami aims to bring multidisciplinary expertise to the table. This approach ensures that climate resilience projects are not only technically sound but also ecologically sustainable and community-centric.

As this installment concludes, Brubaker and Succar Ferré emphasize the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including government bodies, environmental organizations, and the public, in reaching Miami's climate resilience goals. The City of Miami's commitment to addressing climate change through innovative funding, legislation, and a comprehensive approach to resilience shines brightly in this enlightening discussion.

Listeners are left with a sense of hope and inspiration, knowing that the City of Miami is taking bold steps to confront its climate challenges head-on, setting an example for cities worldwide. This broadcast serves as a testament to the power of collective action and forward-thinking policies in the face of an ever-pressing climate crisis.

Links to learn more:

https://www.miami.gov/Home

https://www.miami.gov/My-Government/ClimateChange

Sonia Brubaker

Sonia Brubaker serves as both the Chief Resilience Officer and Director of the Office of Resilience and Sustainability for the City of Miami. Her role involves leading resilience efforts across municipal agencies and the community, addressing climate change challenges, and implementing solutions to reduce flooding and greenhouse gas emissions. Her work in creating strategic initiatives, fast-tracking government start-ups, and collaborating with stakeholders focuses on providing equitable outcomes for all related to flooding, housing, buildings, transit, recreational areas, and more.

Prior to this, she directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure and Resiliency Finance Center, working with local governments to identify sustainable and resilient financing opportunities for infrastructure.

Sonia has nearly 20 years of environmental experience and holds degrees in Environmental Policy and Planning (B.S., Virginia Tech, 2004) and Environmental Management with an emphasis in Leadership (M.E.M., Duke University, 2014).

Sonia Succar Ferré

Sonia Succar Ferré, also known as Sonia SF, brings over 15 years of environmental expertise from both the public and private sectors. Her primary focus lies in devising urban resilience solutions and fostering innovation to combat the impacts of climate change. Throughout her career, she has worked on multi-modal transportation projects, nutrient pollution in the Everglades, and urban conservation initiatives for cities and non-profit organizations.  Presently, she serves as a dedicated consultant, collaborating with organizations working to advance this important work. Notably, Sonia holds the esteemed position of Chair on the City of Miami’s $400 million Miami Forever Bond Citizens’ Oversight Board.

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