The weather forecast for Florida is getting better, according to a new study. This is because climate resilience is being managed. Florida will likely have to deal with some tough climate changes, like higher sea levels and more intense heat. Eventually, most of the state will be underwater.
One thing that will help people deal with climate change is the Florida Wildlife Corridor, an 18-acre protected area of land in Florida. Researchers believe that this land can help Florida be more resilient to climate change if it is allowed to fully develop and handled well.
Joshua Daskin, conservation head of Archbold Biological Station, said, “We are very lucky in Florida to have a land conservation project as big as the wildlife corridor. Right now, a little more than 30% of the state is permanently protected.”
He goes on, “We wouldn’t be able to enjoy the benefits of being resilient to fires, storms, floods, and heat without decades of work by conservationists, state agencies, non-profits, and landowners.”
Many of Florida’s animals live in the corridor, including bears, panthers, bald eagles, and more. However, the corridor wasn’t originally meant to be climate resilient; it was built as a protection project.
In addition, the study says that two-thirds of Florida’s floodplains that are in the corridor could provide “billions of dollars’ worth of flood hazard protection” if they are not built upon. Experts say that as the number of people living in this area grows, they will be closer to the route and more dependent on it.
People come to Florida to see the beautiful wildlife and tourist sites. These things wouldn’t be possible without the protection of the corridor. Floridians will be more likely to protect their land from natural disasters if they know how beautiful and interesting their state is. This will make people who live near the corridor more aware of its defenses.
