How Rising Sea Levels Will Impact Florida by The Year 2060

Like it or not, climate change is a thing or else, it would not have snowed in the Sahara; there wouldn’t be such chaotic weather, uncontrollable forest fires, melting glacial ice, or devastating flooding. Perhaps some studies might blow the whole climate change out of proportion, maybe news too, but one cannot deny how our environment is being affected by it. While several coastal cities are at risk, here’s one valid research that outlines the impact of sea level rise on Florida

Global Warming and Sea-Level Rise

A research paper sanctioned by the World Resources Institute and authored by Christina Deconcini and Forbes Tompkins outlines a sequential effect of climate change on the environment and how it will impact Florida. According to the research, global warming has led to a significant increase in global temperatures, impacting sea level rise of approximately 8 inches since 1870. Polar ice melts as the Earth’s atmosphere warms and ocean waters expand. This global trend is of particular concern in Florida due to its extensive coastline and low elevation.

Accelerating Sea-Level Rise

From 1993 to 2011, the rate of sea level rise was 78% higher than from 1961 to 1993. This acceleration is mainly due to the increased melting of polar ice and the thermal expansion of ocean waters. Rising sea levels are accelerating rapidly, threatening to submerge vast coastal areas soon. With its densely populated coastal cities like Miami, Florida is highly vulnerable to the consequences of this acceleration, which increases the urgency for mitigation and adaptation measures.

Thermal Expansion of Oceans

Thermal expansion or warming of ocean water contributed to rising sea levels. From 1961 to 2003, thermal expansion contributed 23% to the average global sea-level rise. From 1993 to 2003, this figure increased to 52%, making thermal expansion the leading cause of sea-level rise. Florida’s coastal waters are particularly susceptible to this phenomenon, as warmer water temperatures are common in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, further increasing the local impact.

Melting Ice Sheets and Glaciers

The melting of ice sheets and glaciers, particularly in Greenland and Antarctica, plays a significant role in sea-level rise. From 1993 to 2003, the melting of these ice masses contributed to 38% of the global increase in sea levels. Recent satellite data shows that the rate of ice loss is accelerating, and the figures are startling.

Between 1992 to 2000, Ice loss from Greenland equaled the weight of 2,537 Great Pyramids.

Annual loss from the Greenland ice sheet increased from 51 gigatonnes (1992-2000) to an alarming 234 gigatonnes between 2000 and 2011. That is a 314 percent increase in ice loss above the 1992- 2000 annual average. The sheer volume of melting ice from these regions adds trillions of gallons of water to the oceans.

From 1992-2000, Ice Loss from the Antarctic Ice Sheet Equaled the Weight of 3,532 Pyramids

From 1992 to 2000, loss from the Antarctic ice sheet was 71 Gigatonnes – or the weight of almost 3,532 Great Pyramids. From 2000-2011, the number increased to 87 gigatonnes, an 18% increase above the 1992-2000 average. Due to its low elevation and extensive 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida is particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise. Its unique geography makes it prone to frequent flooding, even during non-storm events such as high tides. Unchecked sea level rise could result in a massive loss of specific regions in South Florida, one of America’s most beautiful natural treasures and economic engines. Here’s what could happen

How Rising Sea Levels Will Impact Florida by 2060

By 2060, coastal sea levels in Florida could increase an additional 9 inches to 2 feet.

In Monroe, Palm Beach, and Broward counties, a one-foot rise in sea level could put up to $4 billion in taxable property at risk, increasing to over $31 billion with a three-foot rise.

In Monroe County, a one-foot rise would mean three out of four hospitals, 65% of schools, and 71% of emergency shelters will be located on properties below sea level. Additionally, a three-foot rise would impact nearly 900 miles of roads from Miami-Dade to Palm Beach.

A point to note is how most people in Miami-Dade and Broward counties live in locations less than 4 feet above sea level. Moreover, 40% of the population of the United States at risk of being impacted by rising sea levels by 2060 live in Florida

Sea Salt Water Is Seeping into Water Wells

As sea levels rise, saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers, which supply drinking water, becomes a growing concern. In 2013, the town of Hallandale Beach had to close six of its eight wells due to saltwater intrusion. According to researchers, more wells are at risk of being infiltrated by seawater as sea levels continue to rise. Many of Florida’s iconic cities, including Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale, are at risk of experiencing regular coastal flooding.

Local Governments Response

The Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact successfully pushed for the creation of “Adaptation Action Areas” in local comprehensive plans to prioritize infrastructure upgrades and funding in areas vulnerable to sea-level rise and flooding. The Compact serves as a model for addressing climate risks, with 110 action items aimed at reducing emissions and increasing local resilience. These items focus on seven key areas: Sustainable Communities, Transportation Planning, Water Management, Natural Systems, Agriculture, Energy, and Risk Reduction.

Florida must work on building resilient infrastructure, protecting natural ecosystems, and advocating for global emission reductions. Without immediate and sustained action, sea-level rise will reshape Florida’s coastline, economy, and way of life in irreversible ways.

Source: World Resources Institute: sea-level rise and its impact on Florida