New South Florida documentary shows how locals are fighting climate change

It’s no secret that South Florida is on the front lines of climate change.

But what does that mean?

Filmmaker Timothy Long wanted to make the issue feel less abstract by focusing on the people who are living and fighting it.

“These, folks, they really have something to tell us about the moment that we’re in and the urgency of the task before us – and how to prepare,” Long said.

His film, “Facing the Future” follows researchers, artists and activists across South Florida during the 2024 hurricane season.

Among the list of experts the film crew talked to is University of Miami’s Brian McNoldy, who tracks climate impacts on weather. Caroline Lewis, who is activating students to advocate for policy change, and the Miami Herald’s own chief climate reporter and editor, Alex Harris.

“I hope they come away with the sense of urgency and the sense that complacency and denying and delaying is no longer an option,” Lewis said.

The film will to be streaming on WLRN’s YouTube on April 22, which is also Earth Day.

Ashley Miznazi is a climate change reporter for the Miami Herald funded by the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Family Foundation and MSC Cruises in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.