Underwater Intel

“Much of my socially engaged art practice is structured around the idea of slow activism – creating experiential activities that truly pique curiosity, instill a sense of responsibility, and encourage further exploration into critical environmental issues. Education is vital to all advocacy and conservation.

To this end, I worked with my team to curate an online resource hub, the “Underwater Intel,” that introduces an array of topics connected to climate change, provides examples of leaders doing inspirational work, and shares local organizations that are committed to improving the lives of Miamians.”

– Xavier Cortada

JUSTICE, LAW & POLICY
DR. AYANA ELIZABETH JOHNSON is a marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and Brooklyn native. She is co-founder of the non-profit think tank Urban Ocean Lab, co-founder of the climate initiative The All We Can Save Project, and co-creator of the podcast How to Save a Planet. You’ll find her at the nexus of science, policy, and communication, focused on climate solutions.
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ART, CULTURE & MEDIA
MEL CHIN is an artist whose work spans many realms and is not easily classified. He is known for multi-disciplinary, collaborative, and cross-cultural approaches. He also uses art in unlikely places to promote social awareness and responsibility. Chin has received countless awards and his work has been documented in the popular PBS program Art of the 21st Century.
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HEALTH, WELLNESS & DIET
DR. CHERYL HOLDER is associate dean for diversity, equity, inclusivity, and community initiatives at Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and a physician dedicated to serving underserved populations. As a medical provider leader, Dr. Holder advocates for comprehensive care strategies for low-income communities impacted by climate change.
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SCIENCE, NATURE & CONSERVATION
NICOLE HERNANDEZ HAMMER Is a climate-change expert, sea-level researcher, and strong environmental-justice advocate. She focuses on the disproportionate effects that climate change has on low-income communities of color in the U.S. Her recent work includes serving as a climate science and community advocate for the Union of Concerned Scientists.
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BUSINESS, ENERGY & TECHNOLOGY
MATT HAGGMAN is executive vice president of Opportunity Miami at The Beacon Council where he leads a newly launched initiative that focuses on collaborating across a broad spectrum of stakeholders to advance the goal of a thriving, inclusive and diverse community. Previously, Haggman was an award-winning journalist with the Miami Herald and a local director at the Knight Foundation.
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BUSINESS, ENERGY & TECHNOLOGY
MATT HAGGMAN is executive vice president of Opportunity Miami at The Beacon Council where he leads a newly launched initiative that focuses on collaborating across a broad spectrum of stakeholders to advance the goal of a thriving, inclusive and diverse community. Previously, Haggman was an award-winning journalist with the Miami Herald and a local director at the Knight Foundation.
SCIENCE, NATURE & CONSERVATION
NICOLE HERNANDEZ HAMMER Is a climate-change expert, sea-level researcher, and strong environmental-justice advocate. She focuses on the disproportionate effects that climate change has on low-income communities of color in the U.S. Her recent work includes serving as a climate science and community advocate for the Union of Concerned Scientists.
ART, CULTURE & MEDIA
MEL CHIN is an artist whose work spans many realms and is not easily classified. He is known for multi-disciplinary, collaborative, and cross-cultural approaches. He also uses art in unlikely places to promote social awareness and responsibility. Chin has received countless awards and his work has been documented in the popular PBS program Art of the 21st Century.
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PEOPLE who are making impacts across various sectors in South Florida and beyond.

PLACES that bring us closer to nature and give a space for inspiration, sustenance, and love.

PLANET is what connects us all and provides endless opportunities for curiosity and growth.

PeRSONAL THEORY OF CHANGE

Your personal theory of change is the way you choose to contribute to the fight against the climate crisis. As you explore the Intel on this page, consider your skills, passions and aspirations and how you might be able to equip them in pursuit of a liveable future for all. 

To assist you in this exploration, all of the resources have been broken down into the following five categories: Art, Justice, Health, Business, and Science. You are also encouraged to stay up to date with local environmental information through The Invading Sea, a collaboration between 26 Florida news outlets.

adaptation

The process of adjusting to the current and future impacts of climate change.

migration

The process of relocation due to the impacts of climate change.

DIVE DEEPER INTO THE INTEL