Sea Level Rise, Climate Change, Agriculture and Farm Lands
Fields
Raising Fields Presented to Architecture Students at the University of Miami in Coral Gables
March 31, 2015
During a presentation at the University of Miami School of Architecture, entitled "Legal Dimensions of Sea Level Rise," the topic turned to growing fields. The Raising Fields Project was presented to students and faculty members.
The Raising Fields Editor was asked by Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, FAIA, and a Malcolm Matheson Distinguished Professor of Architecture, to present legal and financial issues of sea level rise in a course entitled "Adaptation to Climate Change."
Adaptation of property that provides sustainability to Florida agriculture is a key element in preparing for the future. As new designs and strategies are developed to plan for mid-Century and earlier, Mr.Chester made the point that laws, regulations and rules allowing proper adaptation need to be passed, and others require updating.
The unique class covers different topies weekly, including: Perceptions of Climate Change, International Science and Climate Change, Mitigation, Climate Change in South Florida, Living with Water, The Role of Universities in Responding to Climate Change, Climate Change Economics and Finances, Engineering Aspects, Health Impacts and Concerns, Legal Concerns, Communication and Public Perception, the NYCRR Plan, Risky Business, and Development and Other Responses.
Raising Fields Discussed At Miami 2100
February 22, 2015
On February 19, 2015, the Raising Fields Project was included in a presentation by Mr. Chester which focused on socio-ecologial vulnerability and resilience in Miami-Dade.
The event took place at the Coral Gables Museum and was sponsored by Miami-Dade County, the Coral Gables Community Foundation, Florida International University, Culture Builds Florida and the City of Coral Gables.
Chester's comments also included observations about sea level rise and the law, along with financial adaptation strategies as they impact personal financial security in this century of rising seas.
Other speakers included the Honorable Phil Stoddard (Mayor of South Miami), Keren Bolter, Ph. D. (Florida Atlantic University), Emily Eisenhauer, Ph. D. (University of Miami) and Dr. Gail Hollander (Florida International University).
The session was part of a series entitled "Miami 2100: Envisioning a Resilient Second Century," which included programs regarding architecture, the Florida Everglades and an innovative exhibit from the Florida International University School of Architecture.
Miami 2100's focus is planning for climate change and sea level rise.
Raising Fields Presented at the Vizcaya Museum
December 10, 2014
The concept of raised field agriculture was discussed in a 30 minutes presentation at the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens/CLEO Institute "Science Cafe" on December 10.
Mitch Chester spoke about elevated growing fields in response to sea level rise.
Other speakers on climate change, sea level rise and extreme weather events included Dr. Mribeth Gidley (Research Scientist and the University of Miami & NOAA), Dr. Hal Wanless (Professor & Department Chair, Dept. of Geological Sciences at the University of Miami) and Remko Jansonius (Deputy Director for Collections & Curatorial Affairs, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens).
The eveing event was held inside and outside the world famous gardens and museum on Biscayne Bay.
Climate Action Coalition of South Florida Features Raising Fields Discussion
November 11, 2014
The Climate Action Coalition of South Florida invited Mr. Chester to present the Raising Fields concept.
The event was held at the Arthur R. Marshall Foundation For the Everglades in Lake Worth, Florida.
The handout for the presentation appears below.
There was great interest in the project, with many probing questions.
Reacting to the project's positive message of sea level rise adaptation, one attendee reacted, "You are the first person to give me hope on sea level rise."