MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Vice President Kamala Harris discussed environmental policies on Wednesday during the Aspen Ideas: Climate Conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Gloria Estefan moderated the discussion, as Harris focused on the actions that she and President Joe Biden have made to deal with climate change.
“I am excited about electric vehicles and in particular, electric school buses,” Harris said about the administration’s support of clean energy.
Estefan said Miami-Dade County residents care deeply about Biscayne Bay and the Florida Everglades, which she described as a fragile ecosystem.
“We hold a very deep responsibility,” Estefan said before asking Harris to talk about water policy.
Harris said policy can create jobs by developing new infrastructure in coastal communities. She said the Biden administration has been doing a lot to get rid of lead pipes.
“Drinking that toxic water is having an impact on the child’s ability to learn,” Harris said.
The plenary session also included Talbert Cypress, the chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida, who discussed The Everglades, and former Colombian President Ivan Duque, who focused on The Amazon rainforest.
“Protecting the Amazon is not just a Latin American priority — it’s a world priority — and we have to make available the massive mobilization of capital that this requires,” Duque said.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava also participated on Wednesday morning in a discussion about women who are dedicated to protecting the environment.
The conference started on Monday and ends on Thursday. For more information about the schedule, visit this page.
Watch the session with Harris and Estefan
Watch the session with the former Colombian president
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