Global warming isn't just a hotter day at the beach in the Sunshine State

Florida is already feeling the burn of global warming. In the next century, Florida could experience an additional 7 degree Fahrenheit increase in temperature. In 2005, a record breaking hurricane season hosted 26 named Atlantic storms, four of which made landfall in Florida.  Global warming is already increasing the intensity of hurricanes in the North Atlantic, increasing the risk of devastating impacts when a storm hits.

By 2100, sea level along Florida’s coast could rise as much as 20 inches by 2100; possibly even more if the Greenland or West Antarctica ice sheets break up more rapidly than predicted. It is estimated that a rise in sea level of 12 inches would flood coastal real estate 100 to 1000 feet inland, devastating coastal populations and economies.

Sea-level rise also puts a tremendous strain on Florida’s ecosystems. Rising sea level threatens the beaches, wetlands, and mangrove forests that surround the state. Some of the small islands of the Florida Keys could completely disappear due to rising sea levels. Inland ecosystems will also suffer as salt water intrusion into the Everglades or up rivers impacts freshwater plants and animals. Critical habitats for fish and birds, as well as endangered species like the key deer, American alligator and Florida panther, will be severely reduced and could disappear altogether.    

America’s biggest living coral reef, a popular tourist attraction, is found in the Florida Keys. Florida’s coral reefs are already experiencing bleaching - a potentially irreversible process - due to environmental stresses, including warmer ocean temperatures. Additionally, carbon dioxide absorbed by the ocean from the atmosphere alters the chemical balance of sea water, threatening coral health.

All of these changes pose devastating consequences to Florida’s economy. Areas facing inundation from climate change attract 4 million tourists a year, who generate $3.4 billion a year for the state. Rising sea levels could destroy the beaches that bring in $15 billion of revenue a year. A decreasing wildlife population could threaten the $6.2 billion hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing industry that employs over 120,000 Floridians. In addition, more intense hurricanes could spell economic disaster for Florida.

But Florida is also waking up to the solutions needed to prevent the most severe effects of global warming. In July 2007 Florida’s Governor Charlie Crist signed three executive orders designed to reduce the state's global warming pollution. Miami-Dade County has initiated the Urban CO2 reduction plan to curb heat-trapping emissions. The Everglades “re-plumbing” programs are enhancing the area’s water flow to protect against salt water intrusion.  

Testifying before the Select Committee on Global Warming and Energy Independence in June of 2007, Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan of Gainesville remarked on steps her city has taken to combat global warming, including incentive programs to cut energy use, conservation efforts, and enhancing public transportation. However, she also acknowledged that even Gainesville’s local efforts fall short of what is necessary to prevent potential catastrophe and urged the adoption of national legislation to combat the problem that affects her state so drastically.

Florida has great potential for being part of America's clean energy future. As the Sunshine State and a top agricultural producer, Florida has the capacity to harness the energy from the sun and plants for solar power and cellulosic ethanol. With miles upon miles of coastline, Florida could also utilize power systems that capture wave energy to generate electricity.