MIAMI – The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science hosted the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Thursday, who discussed global warming and sea level rising.
A 5,000-page report paints a harsh reality for South Florida. Since 1950, the sea has risen 10 inches, and in the next 20 years it is forecast to rise an additional 6 to 9 inches.
"That is a commitment," Ben Kirtman of UM said. "It is guaranteed to happen. Sea level rise will continue to happen over that time scale."
The 831 scientists from 85 countries agreed, and cited 30,000 scientific studies and papers.
Cities like Miami Beach have accepted the scientific facts and have implemented a $400 million pump and road raising project, but new data shows that while it is a good start, it will not solve the problem.
"But over time, that system is going to have to evolve," Kirtman said. "It is going to be challenged. There are going to have to be new investments and they know that…Our systems are already challenged at 10 inches. Imagine how much more challenged they are going to be at 6 to 9 inches."
Kirtman said a two-prong approach is needed -- mitigation to lower carbon dioxide levels and adaptation to rising sea levels, but he said people need to stop living in denial.
"I am confident that when we accept this problem we are going to start to really think about holistic solutions that communities can rally around, so there will be a robust South Florida 30 to 40 years from now," he said.
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