SEA-LEVEL 2050

Miami is considered by the United Nations to be the city most at risk on earth to the combined dangers of sea level rise and hurricanes.

Sea level is officially projected by Miami-Dade County to rise at least 18 inches in the next 50 years. It could rise a lot more, but Man-made Global Warming and Climate Change are a new phenomenon that is not fully understood.

Coastal infrastructure such as sea-walls, docks, bridges, causeways, residential islands, and port facilities are all more at risk every year. Many sea-walls are already being eroded at an accelerated rate.

The effects will reach deep inland to the low-lying areas. It will eventually poison our aquifer-given fresh water supplies. This problem belongs to all of us.

Hurricanes, and the storm-surge that causes the most severe ‘Cane damage, will be even more devastating with every inch of land that we lose. Structures weakened by erosion will be especially vulnerable.

Mangroves, which are specialized for this niche, help protect the coast. They grow up as the water creeps up, unlike cement. They are supposed to be along the Bay coastline, and not having them makes us weaker.

It is critical to consider these factors in all restorations and coastal construction. Including mangroves and other native plants strengthens our coastlines as well as many other major benefits.

Most residents of South Florida are not aware of this imminent danger. Educating them is especially important, so the actions and words of our community will provide leadership to all of the Americas.

What do you want Miami-Dade to look like in 2050? Will it keep getting worse after that, or can we turn back the tide? If you care, help us take action. Help us plant mangroves, join the Vertical Butterfly Experiment, or start a Native Community Nursery.