Earth Day, Day 4: Miami Underwater

Miamians love a nice a day at the beach and it could be hard to imagine the option not being there for them. However, it could be time to start seriously considering an alternative weekend excursion.

With the noticeable rise in sea levels, Miami residents may not have their adored beaches to go back to one day. Sea levels have gotten so unruly that flooding in Miami Beach occurs even when it does not rain, according to Business Insider. As Miami, stands at this moment, it is only inevitable that grave flooding will show its face to the magic city.

“When it rains the flooding problem is insane, driving in it is just annoying but also scary because this is nothing compared to what it could be someday, it could get even worse,” Miami resident Sara Anderson said.

Miami’s, and most of South Florida’s, grounds are made of limestone. This porous rock allows water to easily seep through, according to Business Insider. When this does happen, homes all over the area will suffer serious flooding and water damage.

In just 25 years, the sea level is predicted to rise over one foot. This means during high tide about a fifth of Miami will be underwater, according to The New Yorker. The marshes that counteract storm surges are disappearing due to exorbitant amounts of salt water.

“It honestly makes me so sad, because the beach is one of my favorite places and the thought of it might be underwater one day is scary,” senior Giuliana Moore said.

As upsetting as it might be with some of Miami’s most beloved attractions at risk, Miamians also realize the growing concern that their homes might someday be uninhabitable.