4 possible impacts of climate change on Florida

The report highlights the terrible threat posed by global warming caused by human activities in the United States and their citizens. A segment of this 1600-page report is devoted to the impact of climate change on the southeastern United States.

More: Florida faces "existential" decision on climate change

More: Clean energy is a "moral obligation" for the owner of the Pensacola surf shop

More: The oyster farmer considers trade as the "key" to saving Florida's environment

According to the report, climate change would have four consequences for Florida:

TO CLOSE

A new climate report, Volume II of the National Climate Assessment, indicates that the effects of global warming are intensifying and becoming increasingly expensive.
UNITED STATES TODAY & # 39; HUI

1. Spread of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes

The southeastern United States already has the most favorable conditions for the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. The report states that "climate change is expected to make conditions more conducive to the transmission of some vector-borne diseases, including year-round transmission in southern Florida. Summer increases in the number of dengue cases are expected in all South-East States.

In 2016 and 2017, dozens of cases of Zika virus were reported in Florida, four of which were contracted locally on the Treasure Coast. Many were related to the trip. So far in 2018, no case of Zika has been reported in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

More: Zika virus in Florida | What do you want to know

More: New test on Zika could help fight mosquitoes

2. Invasive species

A cane toad (Bufo marinus), also known as a cane toad. The invasive species reappears on the Treasure Coast after several weeks of heavy rains. (Photo: PHOTO CONTRIBUTED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA)

Some problematic invasive species from southern Florida are expected to benefit from global warming as their potential habitats will expand or move north, according to the assessment.

"In South Florida, Burmese python and Brazil pepper are two cold-sensitive non-native species that have decimated mammal populations and transformed native plant communities in the Everglades National Park," the report says. .

According to the report, as the climate warms, these invasive species are expected to move north and affect native plant and animal populations as they move.

More: Beware of toxic toads

3. Coral reefs

Climate assessment addresses a dual concern for coral reefs in the southeastern United States: environmental and economic.

"Coral reef mortality in the Florida Keys and around the world has been very high in recent decades, in part because of warmer ocean temperatures, nutrient enrichment, overfishing, and coastal development, "the report says.

More: The beaches and marine life of Treasure Coast make it a favorite place for snorkeling

More: Why is Vero Beach's red tide worse than other Florida beaches on the east coast?

Not only is coral needed to support Florida's fisheries, but it provides coastal protection against the waves. In addition, coral reefs provide opportunities for recreation and tourism that would be lost if the reefs continued to die.

"Coral rises and volumes in the Florida Keys have declined in recent decades and current temperatures in the region are already close to the bleaching threshold, so it is likely that many of the remaining coral reefs in the area Southeast will be lost in the coming decades, "says the report.

4. Hurricanes, floods and rainfall

Two factors contributed to the strength of Hurricane Irma when it reached the Southeast region: the very warm waters it crossed, illustrated in this figure, and the light winds that Irma encountered in the upper atmosphere. High intensity hurricanes such as Irma are expected to become more frequent in the future due to climate change. (Photo: NASA)

A sizeable share of the climatic assessment of the southeastern United States is devoted to the effects of Hurricane Irma, which, according to the report, would not have been as intense without the warming of oceans.

"The increase in extreme precipitation and coastal flooding at high tide due to future climate change could affect the quality of life of permanent residents as well as tourists visiting the lowlands and coastal regions of the Southeast. Recent social science studies have migrated many vulnerable coastal communities to the effects of sea level rise, floods caused by high tide, saltwater intrusion and seawater stress. Storm surge, "says the report.

TO CLOSE

Hurricane Irma 's strengthened to become a category 4 hurricane on September 10, 2017, as it was accelerating towards the Florida Keys.
Treasure Coast

The report details the damages and immediate economic costs of the storm, as well as the incalculable residual costs. The measures that state governments take to mitigate future disasters, as well as their costs, are also discussed.

"High intensity hurricanes such as Irma are expected to become more frequent in the future due to climate change," the report says.

Buy a photo

Dominic Lee, 11, holds the broken sea turtle eggs on September 9, 2017, a frequent victim of storms like Hurricane Irma, causing strong waves and high winds. (Photo: PATRICK DOVE / TCPALM)

The report estimates Irma's cost at around $ 50 billion.

"Of the $ 50 billion, about $ 30 to $ 35 billion is responsible for wind and flood damage to a combination of residential and commercial properties, automobiles and boats – 80% to 90% of this cost being absorbed by Florida, the cost balance includes $ 5 billion for infrastructure repairs and between $ 1.5 and $ 2.0 billion for damage to the agricultural sector, mainly in Florida, "says report.