If All the World’s Glaciers Were to Melt, Florida Would Disappear

Did you know that the sea level is rising in Florida, and that it’s costing over $4 billion? In the present day, the sea level surrounding the Sunshine State is up to eight inches higher than it was back in 1950. With more than 120,000 properties at risk in Florida from the frequent tidal flooding, the state is taking action. Florida is currently planning over $4 billion in sea level rise solutions, including that of seawalls, stormwater improvements, protecting sewage systems and raising roads.

[OC] The Lost State of Florida: Worst Case Scenario for Rising Sea Level from r/dataisbeautiful

Created by Jonathan Callura in 2021, this visual uses data from the USGS National Geospatial Program. According to the visual, the global sea level would rise by approximately 70 meters (230 feet) if all of the glaciers on earth were to melt.

According to SeaLevelRise.org, Florida’s sea level has increased over the last decade, and has raised as much as one inch every three years. Because of this, experts are predicting that over the next fifteen years, the sea level in Florida will have risen by another half a foot.

Since 2000, tidal flooding in Florida has increased by approximately 352%, despite the sea level having only risen by an estimated three inches during that time. This is because high tides can lead to flooding, even on the sunniest of days, if the oceans have risen high enough.

“In 30 years Florida will see many more days of flooding, stronger storms, more extreme weather, and stagnant or declining coastal property values.” — Jim Cason, Former Mayor of the City of Coral Gables