According to the IPBES biodiversity loss summary report, climate change is one of the main culprits of worldwide biodiversity loss.
Scientists agree that the rapid increase in average global temperature and its effects are largely due to human activities. And, Florida is home to a lot of humans—we are the now the third most populous state in the U.S., next to California and Texas.
Just like many coastal areas, Florida is feeling the effects of the Earth’s changing air and water temperature, rising sea level and changes in the amount of rainfall and severity of storms. A new report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found that climate change might also weaken the wind barrier that protects Florida from hurricanes.
During high tides, some Floridians are already noticing the effects of climate change-induced sea level rise. Routine high tides are resulting in a phenomenon known as nuisance flooding, which can lead to road closures, overwhelmed storm drains, and a compromised city infrastructure.
“Rising sea levels have resulted in salt water getting into wells that provide drinking water to cities, creating a need to move those wells farther from the sea. Sea-level rise is already having an impact on people’s quality of life, on buildings and roads, and on our state’s economy,” reads a Florida Sea Grant fact sheet.
Climate change must be combated on a global scale, but there are also steps you can take to reduce your personal carbon footprint. Read about them here: The 35 Easiest Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Need a refresher on climate change? Visit: Climate Change Explained in Under 2 Minutes
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