Slr Case

Introduction

Climate change is increasingly becoming a local issue as cities and counties consider its affects and implement mitigation and adaptation strategies in an attempt to limit its potential damage. Florida is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The state has over 1,200 miles of coastline, almost 4,500 square miles of estuaries and bays, more than 6,700 square miles of other coastal waters, and a low-lying topography. In addition, most of the state's 18 million residents live within 60 miles of the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. Florida's diverse and productive coastal and marine ecosystems are imperative to the state's present and future. These ecosystems provide food and other products for its habitat as well as valuable and irreplaceable ecological functions. These systems also attract visitors from all over the world who wish to experience the beauty and recreational opportunities these locations offer. The state's life-support system, economy, and quality of life depend on preserving and sustaining these resources over the long term .

Of prime interest to Florida is the climate changes impact on rising sea levels. Sea Level Rise (SLR) has been identified as a major global problem. SLR has two causes, the melting of mountain glaciers and polar ice sheets and thermal expansion of the oceans. At present, the mean global rate of sea level rise is approximately 3 mm per year. However, within a relatively broad band of certainty, projections for future sea level rise consistently indicate a non-linear increase in this rate. A rise of at least 1 meter before the end of the century is an increasingly likely possibility .

SLR is a serious problem for Florida because of its vast stretches of coast-line. A large portion of the state's coastline and near-shore inland areas are less than 10 feet in elevation and are highly developed. According to our research, SLR is already having an impact on Florida's extensive coastal canal systems. As a result of SLR, the state's malfunctioning canal systems can't allow water to discharge from low-lying areas during periods of high rainfall and high tide.

I. Identification and Clarification of Information Needs

1. Purpose of the Research Request

The rise of sea levels is certain indications of climate change and variability. In the last few years, the number of major storms has increased as a result of climate change. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 (Louisiana) and Cyclones Sidr (Bangladesh) and Nargis (Myanmar) in 2007 and 2008 respectively are clear evidence of this increase. The coastal flooding resulting from these storms led to tremendous losses of lives and livelihood in the affected areas. In addition to these strong storms, there are other direct and indirect effects of SLR on the population in general. Hence, there is a need to understanding the complete situation and prepare the population for the subsequent consequences.

The general public is confused about what information about climate change is correct. Much of the public is distrustful of science and not ready to commit to climate change adaptation or mitigation simple fixes. Our goal is to assist the state of Florida in engaging the public in a discourse on sea-level rise and climate change which hopefully leads to proactive community-based efforts that will prepare Florida's coastal communities for what the majority of climate scientists expect to take place.

2. Situation Analysis

The events and facts leading to SLR include two major causes: thermal expansion caused by the warming of the oceans (water expands as it warms) and the loss of land-based ice due to increased melting (glaciers and polar ice caps). Florida, with almost 1,200 miles of coastline, is more vulnerable to rising sea levels and violent weather patterns than any other state. Many communities in Florida will be affected by these violent climate changes since a majority of them reside near the coast.

It is evident that there has been a steady increase in sea level at a rate of 1 to 2.5 millimeters per year since 1900 . Scientists project sea level along Florida's coast