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Florida Drowning: 10-Foot Sea Rise Threatens Coast
17 Dec
Summary
- A 10-foot sea level rise could submerge Florida's iconic beaches and cities.
- Experts warn of devastating impacts, including infrastructure failure and displacement.
- Reducing greenhouse gases is crucial to slow, but not halt, future sea level rise.
Florida's coastline faces a dramatic transformation under a projected 10-foot sea level rise, as depicted by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) map. Numerous beaches and cities, including Miami, Jacksonville, and Tampa, could be submerged. Experts like Florida State University professor William Butler caution that while a 10-foot rise may be low for this century, 2-3 meters are increasingly likely without emission curbs.
The potential impacts are devastating, foreseeing the failure of stormwater and sewer systems, flooded roads, and inaccessible bridges. High-rise buildings could become surrounded by water, leading to municipal bankruptcies as property tax revenues dwindle. This scenario could displace millions, forcing them to relocate inland in search of viable employment and housing.
Even now, less than one foot of sea level rise has caused increased sunny-day flooding and saltwater intrusion into freshwater wells. Addressing this challenge requires prioritizing planning, investing in floodproofing infrastructure, and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, funding remains a major hurdle, necessitating federal government support to accelerate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
