Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Threat of Rising Sea Hasn't Sunk in for Florida Keys

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 29, 2009 2:54 PM CDT

(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)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
BeatBlaster
Jun 30, 2009 12:09 PM CDT
Eh.... they'll be gone but new cities will take their place.
2-bits
Jun 30, 2009 7:18 AM CDT
This was convincing until I found out that Alan Carlin is a conservative economist, not a climate scientist. Also, I've found numerous comments from actual climate scientists criticizing his methodology. It does make Sen. Inhofe look pretty slimey, however.
Snowleopard
Jun 30, 2009 4:51 AM CDT
agreed. what could they do? build a giant wall around them?

More Newser Stories

Climate Change Could Snarl Travel Plans in Future

Greenland, Antarctic Ice Melting Faster Than Expected

Sea Levels to Rise 13 Feet by Year 3000

Disputed Island Disappears Beneath Waves

Sea Rise Estimates Double


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne