Rising seas and high-rise buildings continue to coexist in Miami, a city threatened by climate change, vulnerable to constant floods and doomed to be swallowed by the ocean. While the water doesn’t claim part of southern Miami Beach, the art fairs continue to take over part of the landscape annually, trying to coexist and amicably blend in with nature.

Artists have been, for decades, the leading voices echoing the need for social, political and economic changes while raising awareness about pressing environmental issues through their practices. Art fairs would only be expected to comply with contemporary art market interests by making meaningful changes and adapting to healthy habits. Consistency speaks louder than words.

Founded in 2020, the Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC), a nonprofit membership organization, has been introducing proactive ways to yield results where members pledge to achieve net-zero waste operations by 2030. Is Climate Sustainability Green Team Committee — a term I use for those who’ll try to institute positive climate change through their art actions – the new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion? The GCC will award the first “green badge” in 2023. Let the proactive competition begin!

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