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.