University threatened by rising sea levels

Sofia Galiano/Contributing Writer

Florida is most susceptible to rising sea levels in the U.S. and will likely be underwater by the end of the century according to city officials.

Environmental Coordinator Nicholas Ogle said keeping South Florida afloat is difficult when people aren’t considering the potential risks.

“How do we get people to think 50 to 100 years down the road?” he said.

Through thermal expansion, land-based ice melts causes sea levels to rise, according to Ogle.

He said because 80 percent of the ice is land-based, Florida can anticipate a “very large expansion.”

The University, along with other Florida coastline assets, sits only a few feet above present-day sea levels. Residents in these areas should be aware of the risks to come in the next few decades.

If legislation were in place to warn prospective property owners about flood risks, it would legitimize the matter, however Ogle said those laws don’t exist.

He said it’s unfair that there are no state laws that require realtors to inform clients of flood risks.

Ogle said its important people think about what changes to expect when purchasing a 30-year mortgage and having laws that support those concerns is necessary in finding a solution.

“One of the first steps is getting laws on the books,” he said.

Ogle said because there aren’t laws that force people to consider the prospects of rising sea levels, they won’t be proactive in addressing the issue.

According to him, first citizens need to be informed and then legislation needs to be implemented.

Ogle said it is unknown at what rate the ice is melting, but a way to slow the process is by making choices today that will reduce the amount of greenhouse gases.

“I think humans in general have a problem with looking into the future,” he said.  [pullquote]“It’s really hard to convince people to think that way.”[/pullquote]

Elaine Pritzker, coordinator of the School of Environment, Arts and Society, said she walks to campus, uses little plastic and drinks from a reusable water bottle because it’s the small things that will ultimately save the environment.

“I’m lucky that I live close enough,” she said, enabling her to walk to work.

Although Pritzker has gone green, Ogle said the problem is getting others on board.

For this reason, Ogle is devoted to teaching youth about sea level rise and climate change.

Ogle has lectured on these subjects to Maritime and Science Technology Academy students at Biscayne Bay Campus, as well students at Alonzo and Tracey Mourning Senior High Biscayne Bay Campus and David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center. Ogle also plans to teach students at Miami Northwestern Senior High School in the future.

[pullquote]“I think conversations are the only way to do it,” Pritzker said.[/pullquote]

Through the “Discover Your Own Backyard” project, Ogle teaches students about their South Florida environment by studying wetland habitats and mangroves at their disposal.

He said it’s a great way to show students how changes in the environment can have a global impact.

Ogle said planting mangrove seedlings through the “Adopt a Mangrove” project is a great model for students because it gives them a sense of ownership when restoring the environment.

Thousands of mangroves have been planted throughout Oleta River State Park, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park and other beaches due to Ogle’s efforts to protect South Florida’s environment.

Ogle said getting the next generation outside in nature is conducive to saving the environment because the current generation suffers from “nature deficit disorder.”

“The more you can attach people to that nature, the more they’ll care” he said.

– bbc@fiusm.com

About Post Author

About the Author

Sofia Galiano
: News Director Assistant, former BBC Managing Editor. I'm a senior journalism major and psychology minor. I wrote for the South Florida Times through the Liberty City Link in spring 2014 and have written for The Beacon since fall 2013.