By David Duckenfield, Miami Climate 365
Miami Climate 365 (MC365), a new year-round initiative focused on strengthening community resilience and advancing practical solutions to environmental challenges across Miami-Dade County, is announcing its intent to foster cross-sector collaboration and unify efforts around a shared vision to safeguard the region’s resources and economic vitality.
The signature annual event of the MC365 initiative will be Miami Climate Week, a week-long series of events from March 23–29, 2025, kicked off by a solutions-focused climate conference.
“We see a significant potential to align the diverse strengths of existing organizations under a collective vision, which will lead to a more coordinated and effective approach to addressing environmental challenges and securing resources, said David Duckenfield, program director of Miami Climate 365. “The growing severity of climate shocks and stresses demands coordinated action to protect our communities and environment.”
Building on the momentum of South Florida’s designation as a U.S. Department of Commerce ClimateReady Tech Hub — led by Miami-Dade County and achieved with Knight Foundation’s support and others through collaborations among local industries and governments, tech entrepreneurs, and climate scientists — Knight provided the initial funding to launch the MC365 initiative. These funds will help accelerate this work by engaging residents and fostering community participation in innovative, locally driven solutions that strengthen climate resilience and create economic opportunities.
“This investment reflects our vision to drive economic opportunity and community-led innovation for climate solutions,” said Marta Viciedo, Knight’s director in Miami. “By inspiring residents and fostering collaboration, we can create a sustainable and inclusive future for Miami.”
The MC365 initiative aims to unify stakeholders across Miami-Dade County in a shared effort to highlight individuals, programs and organizations already driving impactful solutions that strengthen the region’s sustainability in areas like water and air quality. The initiative will focus on practical actions such as urban greening projects, community workshops and other hands-on activities, to bring policies to life and encourage residents, organizations and leaders to take active, results-oriented roles in securing a resilient and prosperous future for Miami.
“I am thrilled to welcome Miami Climate 365 to our vibrant community. This initiative is pivotal for advancing the important work of addressing climate change and fostering sustainable innovation. Miami-Dade is on the frontlines of the global climate challenge, and I am committed to building a more resilient, equitable, and future ready community,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Miami Climate Week 2025 will bring together visionaries, advocates, community leaders and residents who share our determination to protect and preserve our environment for future generations. Let’s seize this opportunity to drive impactful action and lead by example!”
Over the past several months, a task force has convened to conceptualize this new initiative, including Irvans Augustin, executive director at the Urban Impact Lab; Michael Berkowitz, executive director of the Climate Resilience Institute at the University of Miami; Michele Burger, director of the Climate Conference; David Duckenfield, program director of Miami Climate 365; Francesca de Quesada Covey, chief innovation and economic development officer of Miami-Dade County and regional innovation officer of the ClimateReady Tech Hub; Jordan de Leon, COO of the Urban Impact Lab; and Jen Posner, director of programs at the Climate Resilience Institute at the University of Miami.
“We’re excited to work with Miami Climate 365 as it launches its bold effort to unite ideas and organizations that protect our environment,” said Rachel Silverstein. “This initiative will enhance and expand the impact of our work at Miami Waterkeeper. By aligning the community’s goals around a strong call to action, we can achieve remarkable results together”.
Miami Climate Week will be the marquee event of Miami Climate 365, featuring community activations across the county focused on engaging residents, driving awareness and probing solutions for climate related challenges. The opening Climate Conference will be a solutions-focused event designed for the attendees to to interact with and learn from experts whose ideas and actions are critical to addressing our collective future around the realities of a changing climate. The weeklong activities of Miami Climate Week will highlight innovations in climate solutions, foster broad connections and conversations, and inspire both leaders and residents to continue driving progress.
“I am excited about Miami Climate 365, Miami Climate Week 2025 and the climate conference, because I know that Miami has both a lot to teach (as well as to learn!) about combating the impacts of climate change. This initiative will help us focus our efforts in ways that impact South Florida and beyond, said Michael Berkowitz from the University of Miami Climate Resilience Institute. “The opening climate conference will provide a forum for national and global leaders to have critical discussions in a place and at a time where the stakes couldn’t be higher.”
A central focus of the overall Miami Climate 365 effort is to drive sustained collaboration, resource sharing, and strategic guidance to ensure that Miami-Dade County not only adapts to climate change but also benefits from emerging trends.
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Banner photo: The Miami skyline (iStock image). To learn more about the ClimateReady Tech Hub, watch the video below.
