(VitalNews.org) – New research has shown that climate predictions for Florida are looking up if climate resilience is managed. Florida is expected to take on some difficult climate changes such as increasing heat and the risk of rising sea levels, ultimately causing most of the state to be underwater.
One thing that will help with climate resilience is an eighteen-acre piece of protected land in Florida called the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Researchers think that this land will aid in Florida’s climate resilience if it can evolve fully and be managed properly.
Joshua Daskin, conservation director of Archbold Biological Station said, “We are very blessed in Florida to have the opportunity to have a land conservation project as ambitious as the wildlife corridor, and right now a little over 30% of the state is permanently conserved.”
He continues, “Without decades of work by conservationists, by state agencies, non-profits, landowners, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to reap the benefits of resilience to fires, storms, floods and heat.”
The corridor has many of Florida’s wildlife, like bears, panthers, bald eagles, and more, but it was originally designed as a conservation project and wasn’t focused on climate resilience.
The report additionally notes that two-thirds of Florida’s floodplains contained within the corridor could bring “billions of dollars’ worth of flood hazard protection” if they remain undeveloped. Experts have said that the increase in population in this area will bring them closer to the corridor, which will make them reliant on it.
Florida is an area that draws in tourism due to its amazing wildlife and attractions, so without the protection of the corridor, those wouldn’t exist. Understanding the beauty and wonder of the state, Floridians will be more inclined to protect their lands against climate disasters, which would bring those living close to the corridor to be mindful of its protections.
Copyright 2024, VitalNews.org
