Miami Forever Climate Ready: Extreme Heat Plan
In response to extreme heat in Miami, City Commission passed Resolution R-23-0354 in July 2023. Over the past year, the City of Miami has worked across departments and with residents and stakeholders to develop an Extreme Heat Plan to identify actions that can be taken to address the rising heat and humidity felt in the City.
Miami Forever Climate Ready: Extreme Heat will serve as an addition to the City’s Miami Forever Climate Ready adaptation plan. In addition, the City of Miami’s Resilient305 Strategy, Miami Forever Carbon Neutral Plan, Reimagine Parks Master Plan, and Southwest Streetscape Master Plan all contribute to this effort through their actions that focus on heat, emissions reduction, green spaces, and urban tree canopy enhancement.
The final Plan will be available soon!
What’s Included in the Extreme Heat Plan?
Miami Forever Climate Ready: Extreme Heat outlines actions to address ambient heat, especially during Heat Season (May 1 – October 31), along with a Heat Response Protocol detailing actions departments will take during Heat Season.
The three Cooling Solutions for the City of Miami Extreme Heat Plan are:
1. SHADE: Includes actions to help people stay cool in shaded environments.
Objectives include:
- Ensure Shaded Shelters & Structures on City-Owned Land
- Increase Tree Canopy on City-Owned Land
- Increase Tree Canopy Communitywide
2. WATER: Includes actions to help people stay cool and hydrated by increasing access to water resources in public spaces.
Objectives include:
- Increase Recreational and Waterfront Access to Biscayne Bay, Miami River, and Little River
- Provide Additional Drinking Water Fountains with Reusable Bottle Fillers
- Increase Access to Pools, Splash Pads, and Misting Stations
3. DESIGN: Includes actions to help people stay cool in their homes, work, and community.
Objectives include:
- Protect Residents During Heat Season and Events
- Implement Heat Safety Measures for Outdoor Workers
- Expand City’s Climate Ready Residential Programs
- Provide Public Data on Information Needed to Make Better Decisions to Respond to Heat
- Ensure City of Miami Buildings Provide Adequate Cooling and Operate Efficiently
- Utilize Site Design Strategies that Reduce Urban Heat Islands