Miami Beach Commission Unanimously Adopts Climate Change Resolution

The Miami Beach City Commission unanimously adopted a resolution on Wednesday declaring climate change to be caused by “human activity” and pledging to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“Climate change is a global problem that requires global solutions,” observed Miami Beach City Vice Mayor Michael Góngora, who sponsored the measure. “Our pledge to attain net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 goes a long way to backing up our words with meaningful action.”

The vote coincides with the 2021 Earth Day celebration on April 22. Miami Beach is also developing a Climate Action Plan that that will guide actions that need to be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Miami Beach is ground zero for sea level rise,” added Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “We can’t afford to wait any longer while our city suffers the consequences of decades of inaction with regard to carbon emissions.”

Cities and urban areas like Miami Beach are uniquely positioned to combat climate change because they account for 70% of climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions around the world.

“Action on climate becomes more urgent every passing day,” noted Global Climate Action Manager Niclas Svenningsen with the United Nations.

“All stakeholders need to contribute to the solutions now, but in order to do that, they need to see the leadership and the right policies from national and local authorities to be able to implement an effective response,” Svenningsen explained. “For this reason, we are proud to count Miami Beach as a participant in our Climate Neutral Now initiative. Their commitment sets an example for other authorities and for every stakeholder in their county. We look forward to collaborating in accelerating the transition to the climate neutral, net-zero society that we need by 2050.”

The City of Miami Beach joins City of Miami and Miami-Dade County in pledging to work toward achieving a net-zero emissions target by 2050.  Reducing emissions is an essential part of implementing Resilient305, the shared resilience strategy.