Miami art project highlights rising sea levels threat in 2023

In 2023, Miami is facing a significant threat from rising sea levels, with projections indicating a rise of two to eight feet by 2100. The majority of Miami-Dade County currently sits at six feet or less above sea level, making the community particularly vulnerable. Artist and climate activist Xavier Cortada is actively engaging residents through his art, which serves as a catalyst for discussions about climate change and its local impacts. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement in addressing these challenges. Cortada's work includes concrete elevation sculptures placed in public parks, which visually represent the elevation of various locations in Miami. This approach aims to make the issue of rising sea levels more relatable and urgent for residents. Jennifer Posner, director of the University of Miami's Climate Resilience Academy, highlights Cortada's ability to connect with communities, making the threat of climate change more approachable and understandable. Cortada's background as a law student in the 1990s, where he tackled local issues like drug abuse and gang activity, informs his belief that art can play a crucial role in social change. He views artists as thought leaders rather than mere decorators, advocating for a collective response to climate challenges. By framing the issue in terms of personal stakes, such as the elevation of homes, he encourages residents to engage in proactive discussions about their future. Ultimately, Cortada's work seeks to raise awareness and inspire action among Miami residents, fostering a sense of urgency regarding the impending threat of rising sea levels. His art serves not only as a medium of expression but also as a tool for community empowerment and resilience in the face of climate change.