Climate change: Nobel-family run institute encourages Miami to go from ground zero to hero

Miami is often cited as the poster child, ground zero for climate change disaster, but the Nobel Sustainability Trust Foundation hopes the waterfront city can shift from victim to a symbol of resilience. 

Peter Nobel, Chairman of the Nobel Sustainability Trust and member of the Nobel family, said that Miami “stands as both a symbol of climate vulnerability and a beacon of resilience.” 

The Foundation held a private event on May 15 at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables  – inviting policy-makers, politicians, and key sustainability figures in Miami-Dade County. Those attending the event included State Rep. Vicki Lopez, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Miami-Dade County Mayor Danielle Levine Cava and other local elected leaders.

“We know that sustainability is not optional. It’s existential,” Levine Cava said.

Founded by members of the Nobel family, the Nobel Sustainability Trust Foundation promotes sustainable development by recognizing outstanding contributions, fostering scientific collaboration to encourage a global dialogue.

Nobel said the Foundation’s Sustainability Awards ceremony and gala will be held in Miami this December at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. It will honor outstanding individuals, organizations, and companies that come up with practical solutions to adapt to climate change.

The awardees are selected by independent, academic panels including professors and experts around the world from leading institutions like UC Berkeley, Cambridge, Stanford and the Technical University of Munich. 

“Miami is not just a beautiful city. It is also a global hub for climate innovations,” Nobel said.  “With rising sea levels and extreme weather, it’s become a real-life lab for resilience where cutting-edge research meets bold infrastructure and community actions.”  

Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago, speaking at the Biltmore event, said platitudes about climate change aren’t enough. He believes in action.

“I believe in financial responsibility. My house runs on solar. I drive an electric car. I don’t talk about the environment. I live it every single day,” Lago said. “We understand that there’s a direct correlation between being environmental stewards and the money that we can save. Put that money to work on infrastructure.” 

Levine Cava said Miami is committed to a sustainable future. “We’re building resilience in every part of our government and community life,” she said.

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