Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise in Florida

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The Florida Oceans and Coastal Council has just published "Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise in Florida: An Update of the Effects of Climate Change on Florida's Ocean and Coastal Resources." The publication is an update to its 2009 edition, "The Effect of Climate Change on Florida's Ocean and Coastal Resources."

Karl Havens, Florida Sea Grant director and a member of the Oceans and Coastal Council, said the update was necessary to reflect the more current, science-based information that is now available on one of the principal drivers of climate change in Florida, rising sea levels.

"We determined that the state of science regarding projected rise in sea level had changed sufficiently to warrant an update on that aspect of climate change impacts," Havens said.

"We also felt it important to considerably expand the information regarding potential impacts of sea-level rise to the built environment, including such issues as water supply, beach nourishment, transportation infrastructure, and waste water treatment."

 In coming years, the Council plans to issue subsequent updates for the other climate change drivers discussed in the first volume, including greenhouse gases, air temperature, and ocean temperature.

What is Known, Probable, Possible

Excerpts of the document appear below, please refer to the full text for references and complete descriptions. Information is categorized according to the scientific confidence associated with that information.  "Probable” statements mean that an effect is highly likely to occur in the future. "Possible" information means that it may occur, but that predicted impacts must be carefully qualified to reflect the level of certainty.