Examining Climate Resilience in Miami, Florida

Objective:

To assess public awareness and attitudes toward climate resilience efforts in Miami, Florida, focusing on the city’s ability to address challenges like sea-level rise, flooding, and hurricane preparedness.

Methodology:

We created a Typeform survey targeting Miami residents, local business owners, and property developers. The survey link was distributed via digital ads, ensuring responses represented diverse neighborhoods and socioeconomic groups.

  • Survey Duration: 3 weeks

  • Total Responses: 2,200

  • Respondent Breakdown:

    • Residents: 65%

    • Business Owners: 20%

    • Property Developers and Stakeholders: 15%

Key Questions:

  1. How concerned are you about the impacts of climate change in Miami?

  2. How informed do you feel about the city’s climate resilience plans?

  3. What do you believe is the most pressing climate-related issue Miami faces?

  4. Do you think the city is adequately investing in climate resilience projects?

  5. What solutions would you prioritize for a more climate-resilient Miami?

Findings:

  1. Concern About Climate Change:

    • 83% of respondents expressed high levels of concern about climate change impacts on Miami, with flooding and sea-level rise as their top issues.

    • Residents in coastal neighborhoods were the most concerned, with 91% citing flooding as a personal threat.

  2. Awareness of City Efforts:

    • Only 37% of respondents felt well-informed about Miami’s climate resilience plans, despite the city’s high-profile initiatives like the Miami Forever Bond.

    • Business owners were more likely than residents to be aware of ongoing infrastructure projects, such as stormwater management upgrades.

  3. Top Challenges Identified:

    • Flooding and Sea-Level Rise: 68% of respondents believe Miami’s infrastructure is unprepared for future flooding events.

    • Hurricane Preparedness: 49% cited concerns about the ability to recover quickly from hurricanes, especially in low-income areas.

    • Rising Insurance Costs: 42% reported that skyrocketing property insurance premiums are creating financial instability.

  4. Community Priorities:

    • 56% supported greater investment in green infrastructure, such as parks that double as stormwater retention areas.

    • 48% called for stricter building codes to improve resilience in new developments.

    • 41% advocated for better community education on climate risks and preparedness.

  5. Confidence in Leadership:

    • Only 32% of respondents believed city leadership is doing enough to address climate resilience.

    • Many cited a lack of communication and transparency as barriers to public trust in the city’s efforts.

Actionable Recommendations:

  1. Expand Public Communication:

    • Launch a “Climate Ready Miami” digital platform to provide updates on resilience projects and educate residents on how to protect their homes and businesses.

    • Host community forums in vulnerable neighborhoods to address concerns and gather feedback.

  2. Enhance Infrastructure Investments:

    • Prioritize funding for green infrastructure projects, such as mangrove restoration and living shorelines, which offer natural flood defenses.

    • Upgrade stormwater systems in high-risk areas, focusing on neighborhoods that are historically underserved.

  3. Increase Hurricane Preparedness:

    • Develop a “Ready Miami” program that includes free hurricane preparedness workshops and emergency kit distributions for low-income households.

    • Establish clear evacuation protocols and provide real-time updates during extreme weather events.

  4. Strengthen Building Codes:

    • Require all new developments to include flood mitigation measures, such as raised foundations and permeable surfaces.

    • Offer financial incentives for retrofitting older buildings to withstand climate impacts.

  5. Address Financial Concerns:

    • Partner with state and federal agencies to stabilize property insurance costs for residents and businesses.

    • Explore community-driven funding models to ensure equitable investment in resilience projects.

Impact:

The survey revealed significant gaps in public awareness and confidence regarding Miami’s climate resilience efforts. These insights have sparked renewed conversations between city leaders, environmental groups, and developers about prioritizing communication and equitable investments. Following the survey, a proposal for expanded public outreach programs and green infrastructure projects is being developed.

Conclusion:

This case study highlights the importance of engaging diverse voices in building climate resilience. By addressing the concerns and priorities identified through this survey, Miami has an opportunity to become a global leader in adapting to climate challenges.