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Issue 25 - Climate Issue

Telling the Stories of South Florida’s Battle with Sea Level Rise

A hotbed of rapid environmental change due to rising seas, Miami is also becoming a place of innovative environmental communication for diverse communities.

Article by Juliet Pinto and Robert E. Gutsche, Jr.

Miami has been called by some “ground zero” for sea level rise. It is also a place for new theatre, virtual reality storytelling, journalism, and art related to a changing climate. Photograph by Natalia Quiñones. Illustration by Cassie Cando.

 

From creating virtual reality stories, documentaries and even an app about neighborhood flooding, to producing a multi-disciplinary play about climate change, journalism and digital media students at Florida International University continue to focus on putting Miami front and center in climate communication.

“A ‘sea change’ in perception toward climate change will only take place when we are prepared to change personal habits by caring more for people and place,” said Phillip Church, an associate professor in the FIU College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts’ Department of Theatre. Church is directing a multi-disciplinary performance on climate change and sea level rise in particular.

It’s an important and timely topic. The challenges related to sea level rise in South Florida are staggering:

Miami has been called by some “ground zero” for sea level rise, as it has the most economic assets at risk for impacts of sea level rise. With an average elevation of six feet, South Florida has no high ground to retreat to when sea levels rise.

Added to this are the complications presented by having in essence two coastlines: the salt and brackish waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay to the east, and the fresh waters of the Everglades and the canal systems to the west.

Finally, and perhaps most seriously, South Florida has what climate change expert John Englander has called the region’s “Achilles Heel”: the porous limestone rock under the ground that allows for sea water to simply push in from below and bubble up through storm drains and low lying inland areas. It also means that the Biscayne Aquifer, the underground freshwater aquifer that the entire region depends on for freshwater, is also becoming saltier as saltwater pushes westward, contaminating coastal wells.

Measuring Miami’s Economic Climate

Insurance companies and banks issuing 30-year mortgages are keeping a close eye on climate change impacts and the rapidly developing projections for South Florida’s future. At a 2014 Senate hearing in Miami Beach on sea level rise and the risks it poses for South Florida’s seven million residents, a reinsurance expert testified to Sen. Bill Nelson that sea level’s relentless upward climb could leave some properties uninsurable, and therefore worthless.

As local politicians, business leaders, and concerned citizens debate the degree to which raising streets and buildings in Miami Beach, improving flood control infrastructure in and along the canal systems, and digging new freshwater wells in Palmetto Bay will save South Florida, the need to educate local communities about the issue has therefore particular urgency.

Telling Complex Stories of Climate Change

FIU faculty at the School of Communication + Journalism in the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts have engaged in various projects to teach their students—future media professionals—how to produce content across multimedia formats that engages audiences and presents the science in compelling, accurate ways.

FIU’s Mobile Virtual Reality Lab tells stories of daily flooding and effects of sea rise in Miami.

“The time to act is now, and at the VR lab, we take action every day,” says Cindy Castro, a digital media studies major at FIU. “We work tirelessly to plan, produce and edit videos about South Florida’s changing environment. We also share our projects with our friends and South Florida communities across a variety of platforms. It’s important to get this information out to as many people as possible.”

With some $50,000 in technology, dozens of students in the Department of Journalism + Media have spent the past year immersing themselves in storytelling that places users within the narrative theatre of Miami’s living laboratory for sea level rise impacts.

Virtual reality is especially critical in telling stories of the unseen related to sea level rise. As seas rise, saltwater pushes beneath South Florida and into its freshwater aquifer. At the same time, saltwater rises to the surface through porous limestone – entering Miami streets through storm drains even during sunny days – and it becomes challenging not only to discuss today’s environmental concerns let alone prepare populations for what might come next.

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The Power of Story

Together, Robert E. Gutsche, Jr., Susan Jacobson, Kate MacMillin and Juliet Pinto, the team developed an award-winning, grant-funded “Eyes on the Rise” project (eyesontherise.org) in 2014, which produced a website, an app, peer-reviewed research and a student-produced web series. The app – a collaboration among the SCJ, the FIU GIS Department, and media company Fusion – has had particular success, with hundreds of thousands of views, and receiving attention from national and international media.

In short, the app and website helped to visualize the “unseen” of sea level rise in South Florida.

The “Eyes” project was a continuation to the work of MacMillin and Pinto, who produced the award-winning documentary, “South Florida’s Rising Seas,” narrated by Englander, in 2014. The program premiered on South Florida’s PBS affiliate WPBT2 and became the most watched online show for the station that year. It also won the “Best Short Documentary” award from the Miami International Film Festival, and at the time of this writing has nearly 100,000 views.

MacMillin followed this success by tasking her multimedia production class to create a nine-part webseries on sea level rise, premiered in 2015 on the webpage of South Florida’s WPBT2, and became their most watched webseries. MacMillin then worked with an SCJ student, Abel Fernandez, to create a second documentary from the webseries. “South Florida’s Rising Seas: Impact” premiered on WPBT2 in 2015 and is narrated by John Morales, the meteorologist for South Florida’s NBC 6 station and who has won both Emmys and fellowships to the American Meteorological Society.

Known Unknowns of the Future

FIU student and undergraduate research assistant, Cindy Castro, dips into Miami waters to capture footage for a video about a 2016 King Tide. Photograph by Linda Flores.

Telling the stories of Miami’s inundated infrastructure, related potential health concerns, and the region’s potential to survive sea rise has become a vital way to influencing students and their communities about the region’s past – and its future.

“Hearing about sea-level rise can be alarming, and researching it really helped me understand how inevitable it is,” says FIU journalism graduate Amanda Rabines. “That’s why I think telling the story is so important. I hope that digital storytelling can spark some urgency in the community to re-imagine ways to get above high waters. It’s one thing to read about sea level-rise and South Florida’s low-lying infrastructure, it’s another to see it and feel like you’re of the story.”

Just as local municipalities are not waiting for the flood waters to come before they act, FIU educators and students are proactively producing content and information distribution for diverse audiences across myriad multimedia informational technologies. The question is: Will it be enough in a time of intense political polarization and reduced funding for public entities?

“As researchers, teachers, and community leaders, it is incumbent upon us to be proactive in creating opportunities for our students to be engaged in the one of the most pressing issues
of our time,” says FIU journalism professor

Moses Shumow, coauthor with Gutsche on News, Neoliberalism, and Miami’s Fragmented Urban Space, which examines news coverage of local climate change. “Sea level rise will affect all of us in the coming decades, and we have to be at the forefront of efforts to create critical awareness and action around this topic.”

Juliet Pinto, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Journalism + Media at Florida International University. She is co-author of the recent Environmental News in South America: Conflict, Crisis and Contestation (Palgrave).

Robert E. Gutsche, Jr., Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Journalism + Media at Florida International University. He is co-author of News, Neoliberalism, and Miami’s Fragmented Urban Space, Lead of the Mobile Virtual Reality Lab, and Producer of “A Sea Change” at FIU.

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Issue 25 - Climate Issue

Issue 25 – Special Edition: Climate – June 2017

Table of Contents:

1. Letter from the Guest Editor – June Special Climate Change Edition. The realities of today show that the battle against climate change is an ongoing one that is just beginning…

 2. New research predicts the future of coral reefs under climate change. New climate model projections of the world’s coral reefs reveal which reefs will be hit first by annual coral bleaching, an event that poses the gravest threat…

 3. Telling the Stories of South Florida’s Battle with Sea Level Rise. A hotbed of rapid environmental change due to rising seas, Miami is also becoming a place of innovative environmental communication for diverse communities.

 4. Bleaching in Fiji: The Impacts of El Niño 2015.  It’s April 2016, just off the coast of Beqa – a small island to the south of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu. Amanda and myself are currently living on the beautiful…

 5. Connect with the Global Marine Community. In a nutshell, the Global Marine Community is a free interactive resource that gives you access to a weekly email detailing a round-up of events and opportunities in ocean conservation.

 6. Watercolor Artist, Sheila Horne. Artists have long been inspired by nature, and their contribution to awareness and advocacy of environmental issues cannot be understated. Mrs. Horne’s work…

 7. Architecture as Adaptation. As global warming and rising sea levels march forward at an increasing pace, humankind and society have no further option but to confront these changes head-on in how we live our lives…

8. Climate Change Misconceptions & What You Can Do. It’s in the news. It’s science. It’s somewhat controversial. While we’re certain that Earth’s climate

 9. Interview: Melissa White, Executive Director of Key Biscayne Community Foundation.  Key Biscayne is particularly vulnerable to the effects of sea level rise. Flooding already occurs..

10. More Bang for the Buck: Record New Renewable Power Capacity Added at Lower Cost. As the cost of clean technology continues to fall, the world added record levels of renewable energy capacity in 2016…

11. Planning for Climate Change & Rising Sea Levels: An Example from Boston.  The City of Boston convened a group of climate scientists and experts to determine a consensus on what the effects of climate change will be for…

12. Interested in advertising, contributing an article, or becoming a donor?.  26 Issues, readership in 174 countries, over 14,000 subscribers, 15,000 monthly visitors…and growing 

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Issue 25 - Climate Issue

UN Environment Launches Young Champions of the Earth Competition

 

 

On International Mother Earth Day, the United Nations Environment Programme launched Young Champions of the Earth, a new initiative to spot young, talented people between the ages of 18 and 30 and support their inspiring ideas to save the environment.

Young Champions of the Earth is a global stage for young people to showcase technological inventions and innovative business models that improve our planet’s health. The initiative aims to counter the negative discourse on the environment and inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.

Young Champions of the Earth is sponsored by Covestro, one of the world’s leading polymer companies and a strong proponent of innovation for environmental sustainability.

Each year, six young people – one from each of UN Environment’s global regions – will be named Young Champions of the Earth. These winners will each receive US$15,000 in seed funding as well as intensive training and tailored mentoring to help bring their big environmental ideas to life.

The winners will be selected by a global jury that includes UN Environment Executive Director Erik Solheim and Covestro CEO Patrick Thomas. Winners will be invited to attend the Champions of the Earth Gala Dinner, to be held in Nairobi in December 2017.

The application period opened on 22 April and will close on 18 June.

UN Environment Executive Director Erik Solheim said: “As I’ve seen time and again, when young people are given opportunities and support, they can be powerful catalysts for change. It is our hope that Young Champions of the Earth will inspire thousands of young people around the world to develop innovative ways to tackle the environmental issues that matter to them.”

Covestro CEO Patrick Thomas said: “I am delighted to support UN Environment on this excellent initiative. Sustainable thinking and acting is critical in preserving our planet and improving the safety and quality of millions of people.

“Covestro seeks to contribute to this goal with products and technologies that benefit society and reduce the impact on the environment. This is the basis of our vision ‘To make the world a brighter place’ – and Young Champions invites the enthusiastic participation of all who care for our future.”

For more information, please visit www.unep.org/youngchampions

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Issue 25 - Climate Issue

Planning for Climate Change & Rising Sea Levels: An Example from Boston

Austin Horne

 

 

With climate change impacts already occurring in many parts of the Eastern U.S. Coast, citizens in many major metropolitan areas are becoming intimately aware of the dangers that climate change-induced sea level rise poses to their communities. According to recent peer-reviewed research, heavily-populated, low-lying coastal areas in New England are vulnerable to tidal flooding as sea levels rise due to climate change. What’s more, some of Boston’s most recognizable neighborhoods like Back Bay, Downtown, the South End, and Logan Airport-adjacent East Boston are among the areas with the greatest future impact from this flooding. Needless to say, significant, increasing, and persistent flooding in all areas of the City is a major concern for City officials. As a response to the potential effects of climate change, the City of Boston has unveiled one of the most comprehensive and detailed climate impact studies to date for their local metropolitan region. While the plan concludes that a reduction of greenhouse gases (GHGs) is the most effective way to mitigate climate change, municipalities like Boston have the ability to adapt to climate change in ways that protect their citizens. Released in December of 2016, The Climate Ready Boston report can truly be used as a model for other cities’ efforts to combat the effects of climate change.

In the beginning of the project, The City of Boston convened a group of climate scientists and experts to determine a consensus on what the effects of climate change will be for the Coastal Massachusetts area. The importance of using the latest scientific information in climate change plans should not be taken for granted and cannot be understated; furthermore, Boston’s location as an educational center with some of the world’s top universities and research centers makes it an ideal candidate to utilize this vital local resource. Using the region’s scientific expertise along with international research and ideas, the City framed its report around five key principles:

1. Generate multiple benefits where possible
2. Incorporate local involvement in design and decision-making
3. Create layers of protection by working at multiple scales (multiple, independent lines of defense that work in coordination with one another)
4. Design in flexibility and adaptability (to account for continually changing conditions as well as uncertainty in projections)
5. Leverage efforts in conjunction with building cycles (what actions, such as road repaving, are scheduled to be done already?)

These principles are aligned with best-practice guidelines for climate change adaptations, aiming to provide a layered, flexible approach that results in strong, resilient protections for City citizens. These principles also encourage working efficiently within existing City plans and Emergency Preparedness frameworks, which speeds up the process of implementation and minimizes the financial burden on local taxpayers.

One of the most groundbreaking approaches in the report, however, is its focus on community outreach and involvement. The report encourages extensive information sharing for, and input from, City citizens and local advocacy groups. As with any climate impact & adaptation assessment, the ultimate goal is to produce the best outcomes for impacted citizens. Citizen awareness, input, and, ultimately, buy-in are the most crucial aspects of this strategy and can make the difference between a successful plan and one that is not. Placing an emphasis on public outreach and involvement increases the plan’s on-the-ground knowledge that only community leaders can provide, such as critical local resilience opportunities and generating ideas for solving multiple challenges at once in their communities. All of this leads to increased community support for the plan’s implementation and long-term maintenance.

Of particular note is the City of Boston’s efforts to aim adaptation and resilience efforts toward its citizens who need it most. Older citizens, children, people with disabilities, people with limited English proficiency, and other groups may not have access to helpful information or economic resources that can help protect themselves and their families from the effects of climate change and rising sea levels. Efforts to reach these populations are a targeted effort of the Climate Ready Boston report, and can enhance protection for Boston’s most vulnerable communities. Also of note is the plan’s proposal of work programs, which can provide valuable job opportunities for unemployed citizens in encouraging climate resiliency; installation and maintenance of green infrastructure, performing property resilience audits, and resilience retrofitting are among the opportunities available for Boston citizens under the plan’s guidelines. Additionally, prioritizing the use of minority- and women- owned businesses is a component of the plan that can benefit smaller enterprises not as likely to be involved in this type of work.

All of these components speak to a remarkably comprehensive, well-thought-out plan that not only identifies the specific impacts Boston will face in the coming decades, but also uses the latest science and in-depth local knowledge to target responses to the organizations and communities where it is best suited. The result is a multi-faceted, appropriately-targeted approach that includes many different stakeholders from around the City and aims to serve all citizens effectively. There is certainly no one-size-fits-all approach to climate change adaptation, and the Climate Ready Boston 2016 report serves this notion well. Its incorporation of peer reviewed scientific research and local information leads to a climate plan that is remarkably up-to-date, holistic, and targeted for its population. The report leaves Boston better prepared to deal with this increasingly severe situation, and can serve as a model for other municipalities across the United States that are just learning to deal with climate change and sea level rise.

For more information, please visit https://www.boston.gov/departments/environment/climate-ready-boston

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