Climate change threatens to dramatically reshape life in Florida. This presentation will examine underlying drivers of the spatial and social distribution of climate risks and impacts and how planning approaches can shape more equitable outcomes. Specifically, the case of sea level rise will be used to highlight planning efforts to address the risks of displacement from the coast related to sea level rise impacts and mitigate potential displacement in inland communities on higher ground in Miami-Dade, Jacksonville and Tampa Bay regions.

I am committed to seeking sustainable pathways to reducing risk and building socio-ecological resilience to natural and industrial hazards. My research intends to promote grassroots level capacities through community outreach and participatory engagement. I work to build new bridges between scholarship and practice to uncover the intricacy of issues facing highly vulnerable localities while engaging and empowering communities to identify and direct their pathways towards shaping more resilient places. My teaching philosophy is guided by a desire to expand critical thinking, technical competence and hands- on engagement in order to advance inclusive and socially just solutions to environmental problems faced by marginalized and vulnerable groups.

1. Bertram LM, Jackson A, Butler W, Holmes T, Uejio CK. Locating Neighborhood Displacement Risks to Climate Gentrification Pressures in Three Coastal Counties in Florida. The Professional Geographer. 2023;75:1, 31-43.
2. Holmes TTJ, Williams P, Wong S, Smith K, Bandzuh J, Uejio C. Assessment of an Evacuation Shelter Program for People with Access and Functional Needs in Monroe County, Florida during Hurricane Irma. Social Science and Medicine. 2022;306:115108.
3. Holmes TTJ, Holt A, English D. Progress in Local Health Department Planning Actions for Climate Change: Lessons from California, USA. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health. 2022;19:7984.
4. Holmes TTJ, Mathias J, McCreary T. What's Problem with Disaster? Anthropology, Social Work and the Qualitative Slot. Qualitative Social Work. 2021;20:1496-1516.
5. Butler W, Holmes TTJ, Lange Z. Mandated Planning for Climate Change: Responding to the Peril of Flood Act for Sea Level Rise Adaptation in Florida. Journal of American Planning Association. 2021;87(3):370-382