By Delani Wood, Broward County Resilient Environment Department
As South Florida faces changing climate conditions, including rising sea levels, extreme heat and more intense storms, Broward County is inviting residents to engage in a unique and impactful event aimed at raising awareness and inspiring community action to build local resilience.
The Community Climate Conversation, featuring eco-artist Xavier Cortada, is a free public event on July 26 from 1-4 p.m. at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Delevoe Park. This interactive workshop will combine science, storytelling and participatory art to help residents better understand the risks their communities face and explore ways Broward County is planning for the future.

Xavier Cortada, a Miami-based artist known for his climate-focused public art initiatives, will lead attendees through an interactive art-making experience that highlights the effects of sea level rise, flooding and extreme heat in our region. Cortada’s work uses elevation data and local geography to spark dialogue and strengthen community identity in the face of environmental change.
The conversation builds on the success of the “Underwater: Broward” project, a countywide initiative led by the Cortada Foundation in partnership with the Broward County Resilient Environment Department and Cultural Affairs Division. As part of this project, Cortada has visited 16 public schools across the county, engaging students in art and climate workshops and creating custom hand-painted elevation murals at each school. These murals visually depict how sea level rise threatens their communities and serve as a call to action for the younger generation to become climate leaders and advocates for resilience within their own neighborhoods.
In addition to the art workshop, Dr. Jennifer Jurado, Broward’s chief resilience officer, will share an overview of the Countywide Resilience Plan. The plan outlines specific strategies for adapting to climate impacts while prioritizing smart investments in health, infrastructure and long-term sustainability.
The Community Climate Conversation is part of Broward County’s ongoing effort to engage residents in climate planning and resilience efforts. The event will be interactive, educational and community-centered, with opportunities for attendees to share input, connect with neighbors and learn about local initiatives.
Participants of all ages and backgrounds are welcome, whether you are longtime resilience professional or new to the climate conversation. No prior experience is necessary – just an eagerness to learn, participate and help shape the future of Broward County. For more information or to RSVP, visit bit.ly/CClimateConversation or contact Delani Wood at dwood@broward.org.
Delani Wood is project coordinator for the Broward County Resilient Environment Department. Banner image: Students show art with their homes’ elevation above sea level that they created through “Underwater: Broward” initiative (Photo courtesy of Broward County).
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