Sea Level in Florida Rose Over 7 Inches Since the 1970s, Expected to Climb 9 Inches by 2050

Photo byFaith CrabtreeonUnsplash

Flooding for coastal areas in Florida is likely to get worse, according to recent data. The data, provided by the National Sea Level Explorer, a government website, reveals that Florida's sea levels have increased by 7 inches from the 1970s to the present day, highlighting the ongoing impact of climate change on coastal regions. This rise is attributed primarily to human-induced climate change and local factors contributing to the overall increase in water levels.

The National Sea Level Explorer data indicates that the trend of rising sea levels is expected to continue, with projections estimating 9 inches of rise from 2020 to 2050 under the Intermediate Scenario. This forecast underscores the urgent need for communities to prepare for the implications of flooding and other related challenges as sea levels continue to rise.

Chart of data taken from the Florida pagePhoto bySealevel.globalcchange.gov

The data provided notes that fluctuation in sea levels throughout the year is influenced by natural cycles such as tides and seasonal changes. However, the long-term upward trend is evident in the data, which shows that while annual variations occur, the overall sea level has steadily increased since the 1970s.

The annual cycle of sea level change in Florida, as depicted in recent charts, reflects the variations that can occur in different years, influenced by factors like El Niño. Nevertheless, the overarching pattern indicates a significant upward shift caused by climate change.

As Florida grapples with the consequences of rising sea levels, the need for proactive measures to mitigate the effects of flooding and protect coastal communities becomes increasingly critical.

This data serves as a call to action for policymakers, environmental advocates, and residents alike to address the looming challenges posed by climate change.

More information about the sea level rise in Florida can be found here.