A new study from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science highlights the significant threat of sea level rise facing Florida’s major cities, particularly along its densely populated coastline. As sea levels increase over the next 20 years, urban areas are at risk of severe flooding, coastal erosion, and potential infrastructure loss, which could lead to widespread displacement.
Florida cities, such as Pensacola and Fort Myers, are experiencing sea level rises of about 3.7 mm annually, with Cedarkey showing the highest acceleration in the rise. No monitored Florida city has reported a decrease in sea levels, and the lowest increase is in Jacksonville at 3.287 mm.
Jennifer Carpenter, a Florida environmental official, warns that the state’s low, porous coastline results in frequent “sunny day floods,” exacerbated by high tides. This poses a threat to critical infrastructure, including roads, stormwater systems, and freshwater supplies, as rising sea levels can lead to saltwater intrusion into aquifers.
While Florida has hurricane protection measures in place, the ongoing threat of rising sea levels makes it one of the most vulnerable regions in the U.S. coastline.
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