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Sustainability and climate resilience take center stage

Sustainability and climate resilience take center stage
Photo: Joshua Prezant/University of Miami

Throughout the month of April, the University of Miami celebrates a global commitment to protect the planet, raise environmental awareness, and share steps everyone can take to make a difference. To continue to foster solutions that support long-term resilience and mitigate risk, University leaders, researchers, and students continue to pursue new ideas and pathways.

“In order to limit the impacts of climate change and build more sustainable, equitable and resilient communities we need to leverage University-driven innovation and education and connect them to people working on the front lines of these issues,” said Michael Berkowitz, executive director of the University's Climate Resilience Academy. “Without a wide range of innovation and without changing the way we educate the next generation of practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and educators, we will be forced to continue to dedicate time to an escalating cycle of climate shocks and worsening inequity.”

In recognition of Earth Month, students, alumni, and faculty and staff members are invited to join events, conversations, and engagement opportunities on and around our campuses. Take a sneak peek at some of the opportunities happening throughout the month:

Connect with experts during symposia and conferences.

Scheduled for various dates throughout the month, the University community is invited to join an array of events, such as the 7th Annual Chief Sustainability Officer Summit and Symposium, hosted by the Patti and Allan Herbert Business School, on Friday, April 5; the School of Education and Human Development’s Global Sport Industry Conference, on Thursday, April 11; the Miami Clean Energy Summit, hosted by the College of Engineering, on Monday, April 15; and the Resilience in the Built and Natural Environments, hosted by the Climate Resilience Academy, on Wednesday, April 24. Check with individual listings to confirm event and registration details.

Register to attend eMerge Americas on April 18-19.

Explore how medical research and emerging technologies are converging in South Florida to drive innovation and address the health impacts of climate change. During the two-day event, join University of Miami leaders for a panel discussion, “Climate Challenges, Health Tech Solutions: Miami on the Front Lines,” moderated by University President Julio Frenk. The panelists, leading experts from the health, tech, and climate sectors, will explore the cutting-edge research and tools that are allowing health systems to adapt to a changing climate. Registration for an Unlimited TECH Pass is free for all University of Miami students, faculty, and staff using the code TNMUMTE. Learn more and register.

Celebrate Arbor Day with live music at the John C. Gifford Arboretum.

Recognized nationally as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 10th consecutive year, the University community is invited to celebrate Arbor Day on Thursday, April 18, at 6 p.m., at the John C. Gifford Arboretum. Live music will be performed by Frost School of Music student Jasmine Harris, and light refreshments will be served. Learn more and register.

Dive into beekeeping, birding, and more with University Libraries.

Beginning April 22 through April 25, there is something for everyone at University Libraries. Whether you’re interested in learning more about the Everglades, carnivorous plants, beekeeping, or birding, the Libraries has you covered with a weeklong series of engaging events. Space is limited for some offerings. Learn more and register.

Hear from experts at Climate Week Miami.

The University’s Climate Resilience Academy welcomes Climate Week Miami to the Coral Gables Campus on Friday, April 26, for a discussion titled “Climate Finance Forward +500 Climate Solutions.” Learn more.

Close out the month with an Earth Day celebration on April 22.

Stop by the Lakeside Patio on the Coral Gables Campus on Monday, April 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a festive afternoon featuring food trucks, music, vendors, and community partners. Connect with Student Government’s ECO Agency for sustainable giveaways and food truck vouchers.

Stay in the know with the latest Earth Month updates.

Supported by the Office of Sustainability, GreenU, and the ECO Agency, the Earth Month calendar of events is updated regularly to showcase new and upcoming events. Check back to find the latest updates.