Over 300 billion tons of the Greenland icecap have melted into the sea in each of the last ten years. Buildings are sinking into the melting Russian tundra permafrost as average temperatures in the far north have risen on average almost 5 degrees Fahrenheit. And here in South Florida, our beautiful Biscayne Bay, which defines our community, has risen nearly a foot since 1930 and continues to rise at an accelerating rate. Our community is at Ground Zero of sea level rise and we must recognize that doing nothing and blithely ignoring demonstrated scientific facts are not a viable options.
Let’s face it, if you believe in science and if your opinions are fact based, the news for South Florida on sea level rise is not good. Based on the levels of CO2 already in the atmosphere, South Florida could see an additional 2 feet of sea level rise as soon at 2045. If we do not reverse the trends, children born today will enter adulthood having to endure the consequences of our inaction, with failing infrastructure and a limited water supply. Our generation owes it to every child in our community today to take bold steps forward.
I believe Miami-Dade County must recognize the consequences of inaction and declare a “climate emergency” and commit to the bold goal of the “decarbonization” of its operations and infrastructure by 2035. County Government must lead in a way that not only demonstrates our commitment to action, but that also fills a leadership role that inspires other communities in our state, nation and the world to make a similar commitment to reversing the effects of climate change.
The tasks before us of leading in this fashion are not simple and the pathway to success is not clearly defined, but just as President Kennedy set a goal in 1961 to put a man on the moon by the end of that decade, we too must take on the challenge of successfully completing a climate “moonshot”. The officials at NASA had no clear plan on how to meet the challenge given them and much of the technology required did not exist in 1961, but they committed to the goal and achieved it just as we must now with our very existence as a community hanging in the balance.
A recent study completed by technologist Saul Griffith for the US Department of Energy concluded that such a “moonshot” is actually quite feasible given our nation’s wealth and technological capabilities. What is clear from his study is that this is not the moment to think small but instead to reach beyond our perceived abilities and commit ourselves completely to the challenge before us.
The County can lead the way by directly addressing its own big carbon footprint. First, county department directors should be given decarbonization goals as part of each department’s performance measures. Second, local government regulations should be modified to create an environment which facilitates carbon reduction and incentivizes our private sector partners. Third, the county, in collaboration with local universities, business and industry leaders can turn their innovative power toward transforming South Florida into the Silicon Valley of green technology.
We must be prepared to invest in the future, if we are to have a future. I believe we can secure that bright future if we act now. Like the scientists at NASA who did not have all the answers when given the challenge to go to the moon, we here in Miami-Dade need to begin the process that will determine our continued existence as a vibrant, growing community. The fact that we do not have a solution to every problem must not be used as an excuse to do nothing now. We will only achieve our “moonshot” if we dare to dream big dreams and position ourselves as a shining example of thinking globally and acting locally. All of us must come together to assure this community’s survival.
The science is clear. The atmosphere is warming. The seas are rising. Humans created this problem and humans can fix it. Who better to show the world the way than the resilient, innovative, creative and entrepreneurial people of Miami-Dade County? If not us, then who? If not now, when?
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jean Monestime can be reached at 305-694-2779 or via email at district2@miamidade.gov
Commissioner Monestime,
I was encouraged to read your article and equally disheartened but not surprised to read the gentleman’s comment. It’s seems that there always will be people who are completely comfortable to offer uninformed FEELINGS about what is demonstrable. To just declare that there “is no definitive scientific proof,” contrary to what has been made readily available BY SCIENTISTS for decades, and what is now being reported with regard to environmental conditions, is the type of ignorant pronouncement that (apparently make the people saying them feel good) likely will be offered up for as long as a platform exists to offer them.
Now, there are many more who may never write, call or speak to you, but implore you and your fellow public servants to push and push hard to address these issues. Even those who are humble enough to admit they may not understand the science recognize the real world events that are happening and understand we must innovate now not just for our children and grandchildren (a more than worthy reason) but for us, the communities we live in right now. There are vulnerable communities (the poor and disenfranchised) who are already feeling the effects and stand ready to participate in as well as benefit from innovation. This will be a turning point , for better or for worse. We still have a chance to decide and that decision should be driven by people who are cynically benefitting from inaction, are afraid of change, or figure it will all magically work itself out.
We should aspire to be better than that.
There is no definitive scientific proof that humankind has increased temperatures. Mother Nature works in cycles. We are subject to one of those cycles. CO2 makes plants grow. It is beneficial for our environment and our food supplies.
If the CO2 bothers activists on a mission, have Miami-Dade County buy electric cars, encourage GM, Honda and Toyota to begin selling hydrogen cars, have a bus fleet using only natural gas, buy only the most energy efficient appliances,including air conditioners, retrofit all County buildings to improve their energy efficiency, and reduce air travel by County employees. These are just a few items that can be done by the County to show its leadership to reduce carbon emissions.