Aspen Institute & City of Miami Beach Announce ‘Aspen Ideas: Climate’ Event Focused on Global Climate Change Solutions

(Miami Beach, FL) Sep 20, 2021 -

The Aspen Institute and the City of Miami Beach today announced at a press conference that they are partnering to present “Aspen Ideas: Climate” in March 2022. The inclusive multi-day event will focus on global and local solutions to the climate crisis, bringing together policymakers, scientific experts, business leaders, innovators, artists, young leaders and the public. Miami Beach, which is hosting the event, faces some of the most serious effects of climate change and serves as a hub of innovation and collaborative solutions that have been embraced by elected officials as well as business and community leaders.

“Aspen Ideas: Climate” will take place from March 3-7 in locations across Miami Beach, including the New World Center and the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

The event is expected to include:

• Panel conversations, one-on-one interviews and breakout discussions on climate solutions, including new policies, technologies, financial instruments, shifting priorities in investment and job creation as well as how we produce energy and food.
• Field trips to local and historic resilience points of interest.
• Concert on the beach.
• Food festival.
• Jobs fair showcasing career opportunities in the green economy.
• More to be announced.

“Aspen Ideas: Climate” will address climate change on a global scale, gathering the problem solvers who are creating solutions and inspiring action around the world, and in their own communities. The agenda will feature well-known public figures alongside exciting new voices, including those from the next generation and rising leaders. Information about speakers will be shared in the coming months.

“In Miami Beach we are actively working to address sea level rise, update infrastructure, and adopt innovative resilience solutions,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “We are proud to welcome the Aspen Institute and look forward to collaborating on solving the problems posed by climate change to nations and communities across the globe.”

“This regional effort and collaborative leadership will help catapult our climate efforts to the next level,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Our County is committed to investing in long-term solutions to fortify our infrastructure, safeguard our quality of life, and continue building a stronger, more resilient South Florida to protect our economy and prosperity now and for the future.”

“Confronting climate change is one of the defining global imperatives of our time,” said President and CEO Dan Porterfield of the Aspen Institute. “While bold action needs to be taken now to prevent some of the worst effects of climate change, this crisis is also an opportunity to consider the future and transform the ways we live and work. “Aspen Ideas: Climate” will focus on innovation, big ideas, and showing what’s possible when we all commit to a sustainable future. The City of Miami Beach is on the front lines of the climate crisis, and I am grateful for their partnership with the Aspen Institute to hold this convening and issue a call to action.”

From the Aspen Institute, programming for “Aspen Ideas: Climate” is co-organized by the team behind the Aspen Ideas Festival, the Aspen Institute’s flagship summer event which takes place each year in Aspen, Colorado, and the Energy and Environment Program, the Aspen Institute’s leading initiative focused on climate and energy policy.

“With the Aspen Institute’s presence in Miami Beach for “Aspen Ideas: Climate”, we will take the opportunity to bring more than 100 young people from our Future Leaders Climate Initiative together for the first time,” said Director Nikki DeVignes of the Energy and Environment Program’s Future Leaders Initiative. “This diverse group of young people is inspired and driven to see the climate solutions they are inventing become reality. “Aspen Ideas: Climate” will give them access to networks and spaces that have historically excluded their voices.”

“Aspen Ideas: Climate” aims to be a sustainable production, and organizers will put in place a strategy to minimize environmental impact and carbon emissions. Safety is also a priority for organizers, with additional information about COVID protocols available closer to the event.

Members of the public will have a number of options to experience “Aspen Ideas: Climate,” including multi-day passes, tickets for individual events and freely accessible programming. More than 100 young leaders will also have the opportunity to attend free of charge through the Future Leaders Climate Initiative. More details about programming, speakers and access will be shared later in the year. For more information, sign up for updates at www.aspenideasclimate.org. Watch this video to learn more about the Aspen Ideas Festival, or visit www.aspenideas.org.

Editor’s Note: Members of the media interested in covering “Aspen Ideas: Climate” can register interest here.

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The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado and an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

World-famous Miami Beach welcomes millions of visitors each year to its white, sandy beaches, turquoise waters and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its colorful art deco and MiMo architecture, the 7.2-square-mile island offers some of the finest dining and hotel experiences anywhere along with a beautiful oceanfront promenade that connects South Beach to North Beach. Steps away from the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach is also at the forefront of identifying workable solutions to meet the challenge of sea level rise.