JANE Gilbert

The Climate Guru

When Mayor Daniella Levine Cava appointed Jane Gilbert as Chief Heat Officer the news was picked up by news organizations worldwide. Miami is ground zero for how quickly climate change is impacting the well-being of its most vulnerable citizens. Her goal is to spotlight the health risks that develop when people are exposed to extreme heat and teach the population to be aware of how pregnant women, small children, and the elderly can quickly succumb to heat stress. We were amazed to learn that over 12,000 people die every year in the United States from heat stress.

Jane graduated in Environmental Sciences from Barnard and worked as an environmental management consultant for Arthur D. Little conducting risk assessment in North and South America and later worked in sustainability and health policy for organizations like Wells Fargo. In 2016, she became Miami’s Chief Resilience Officer creating a strategy for tackling climate issues: flood risks, lack of shade and tree cover, lack of awareness in the community regarding heat risks, and lack of air conditioning.

Since implementing her Extreme Heat Action Plan, the city has doubled the trees it plants each year to create a canopy across 30% of Miami. A larger canopy brings shade and can lower the average temperature by 10 to 15 degrees. They have installed over 1,700 efficient air conditioning units in public housing and give away 10,000 trees for residents to plan in their homes each year. Through outdoor media, the task force educates citizens about the risks and gives tips on preventing heat stress. The program is now followed in cities like Athens, Freetown, and Phoenix which have created Chief Heat Officer positions.

Watch our interview to learn what you can do to help tackle extreme heat. Find out the places Jane recommends to experience nature and enjoy the South Florida outdoors. If you want to get involved follow @miamidaderesilience and their partners Better South Florida, Dreaming Green and the Fairchild Tropical Garden.