Threat of Rising Sea Hasn't Sunk in for Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are in serious danger from rising ocean levels—and woefully unprepared to deal with the challenge, the Miami Herald reports. “South Florida is on the front line against sea-level rise in the United States, and the Florida Keys are ground zero,” a scientist said. In the best-case scenario, the Keys will lose $11 billion in real estate by 2100.

The worst case has the string of islands 75% underwater by the end of the century. Experts suggest the islands should ask for state and federal help and include carbon mitigation in any plan. Still, even those pushing for more preparedness have no illusions about the final outcome. “Whatever we do, we are just buying time,” one said. “Ultimately, the sea will cover this whole place.” (More Key West stories.)