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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Threat of Rising Sea Hasn't Sunk in for Florida Keys

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(Newser) – The Florida Keys are in serious danger from rising ocean levels—and woefully unprepared to deal with the challenge, the Miami Herald reports. “South Florida is on the front line against sea-level rise in the United States, and the Florida Keys are ground zero,” a scientist said. In the best-case scenario, the Keys will lose $11 billion in real estate by 2100.

The worst case has the string of islands 75% underwater by the end of the century. Experts suggest the islands should ask for state and federal help and include carbon mitigation in any plan. Still, even those pushing for more preparedness have no illusions about the final outcome. “Whatever we do, we are just buying time,” one said. “Ultimately, the sea will cover this whole place.”

Beach goers walk along the waters edge at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, in Key Biscayne, Fla.
Beach goers walk along the waters edge at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, in Key Biscayne, Fla.   (AP Photo)
The Cape Florida lighthouse is seen at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, in Key Biscayne, Fla.
The Cape Florida lighthouse is seen at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, in Key Biscayne, Fla.   (AP Photo)
Traffic heads north out of Key West, Fla., on the Seven Mile Bridge.
Traffic heads north out of Key West, Fla., on the Seven Mile Bridge.   (AP Photo)
Powerboats in Key West Harbor.
Powerboats in Key West Harbor.   (AP Photo)
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14 comments
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riffran
Jun 29, 09 3:05 PM CDT
And thought it was predicted to rise only a few inches by the next 100 years. Run it's a tidal wave Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Snowleopard
Jun 29, 09 11:44 PM CDT
probably 7-20 feet in the next 100 years.
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+3
Derni
Jun 29, 09 3:26 PM CDT
The keys will be gone and we can't save then because we don't have the $$$-the economy and other problems are more important-and New Orleans and other cities will be gone too Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
BeatBlaster
Jun 29, 09 7:09 PM CDT
Eh.... they'll be gone but new cities will take their place.
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+5
IN RESPONSE:
Yourself
Jun 30, 09 10:36 AM CDT
did you forget, new orleans is already 1/2 gone and never going to get fixed at this rate anyways. Sadly, it's just proof that people will move on to other cities, or maybe even forge new ones
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