Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava addresses climate efforts, sustainability after first term

MIAMI—Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava addressed how she has handled climate change and building the area's sustainable future after her first term in a video response on Tuesday.

"We have the first in the world Chief Heat Officer and part of her responsibility is to develop a tree plan so we can grow more trees in neighborhoods and bring down the temperature," Cava said.

Cava also noted the county was installing air conditioning in public housing units and putting solar installations in county buildings. Moreover, Cava mentioned the county's work to electrify vehicles and have buildings save on energy and water.

On Biscayne Bay, Cava explained the county was protecting the lagoon by "converting septic systems to clean sewer."

Cava also addressed how the county was preparing for a sustainable future.

"South Florida was designated by our federal government as a tech hub and we're the only one in the country focused on climate tech. We're working with schools, other governments, and companies to create more green jobs and find more climate solutions," Cava continued. "We also have one of the best flood management systems in the country, highly rated by FEMA. We're going to continue to innovate and prepare."

Along with climate and sustainability, Cava previously detailed her work as mayor to improve affordable housing.

The 69-year-old Cava was first elected mayor of Miami-Dade County in 2020. She previously served as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner from 2014 until her election.

In November, Cava, a Democrat, defeated Republican candidates Manny Cid and Alexander Otaola for a second term in office. Her victory was one of few bright spots for Democrats in Miami-Dade County after President-elect Donald Trump carried the area.

Cava was sworn in as mayor for her second four-year term on Nov. 20. Her current term ends on Nov. 21, 2028.

Born in New York, Cava earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Yale University, graduate degrees in law and social work from Columbia University, and a law degree from the University of Miami.

"Our environment is our economy here and we have beauty like the Everglades and the bay that we need to protect," Cava said.