Announcing a $5M Investment in Community-Shaped Climate Solutions

Miami Waterkeeper enters new phase of leading community-shaped climate solutions with $5M investment from Knight Foundation

June 27, 2023

Miami, FL – Miami Waterkeeper, an award-winning, science-based organization dedicated to promoting climate resiliency in South Florida, has launched a new era of growth and impact, accelerated by a $5 million investment from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The investment will allow Miami Waterkeeper to expand its ability to inform and engage residents in South Florida in developing climate resiliency solutions by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and digital tools.

“When it comes to climate change, every one of us is a stakeholder in the future,” said Raul Moas, Knight Foundation's Senior Director/Miami. “With this investment, Miami Waterkeeper will leverage the power of digital technologies to create opportunities for residents to meaningfully become informed of and participate in growing Miami’s climate resilience.”

Recognizing Miami’s potential to serve as an incubator for global climate solutions, Miami Waterkeeper aims to implement and scale effective solutions. The organization pioneers innovative, multidisciplinary approaches that can be replicated in other regions grappling with similar climate-related issues, inspiring and guiding communities worldwide towards sustainable and resilient futures.

“We are ideally positioned to lead climate action with Miami squarely at the center of this global conversation," said Rachel Silverstein, Ph.D., Miami Waterkeeper's Executive Director and Waterkeeper. "We understand the need to keep our community informed and engaged, and we are excited about Knight’s investment in our future. Knight Foundation recognizes the critical nature of Miami's role in accelerating global climate solutions. If we can solve it here, we can solve it anywhere.”

Miami Waterkeeper has already achieved remarkable outcomes, influencing key regulatory bodies and advocating for climate resilience solutions. Notable successes include persuading the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to incorporate sea level rise into its granting of operating license extensions to nuclear power plants and compelling the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reevaluate flawed strategies for addressing storm surge. Additionally, Silverstein is a recent recipient of The Elevate Prize for her work and commitment toward effecting solutions to climate change and water quality.

Read the press release from Knight Foundation here.

Miami Waterkeeper Executive Director and Waterkeeper, Rachel Silverstein, Ph.D., speaking at a dinner for the American Academy of Arts and Science's Commission on Accelerating Climate Action, hosted at the Knight Foundation offices, in January 2023.

About Miami Waterkeeper
Miami Waterkeeper is a not-for-profit organization that works tirelessly to protect South Florida’s environment and community through advocacy and outreach rooted in sound science. Miami Waterkeeper’s mission is to ensure clean water, thriving habitats, and a resilient future for all. For more information, visit www.miamiwaterkeeper.org.

About The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
As social investors, Knight Foundation supports democracy by funding free expression and journalism, arts and culture in community, research in areas of media and democracy, and in the success of American cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers. Learn more at kf.org and follow @knightfdn on social media.

Media Contact:
Rachel Silverstein, Ph.D., Miami Waterkeeper
(305) 905-0856, [email protected]