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ASSESSMENT OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE SOUTH FLORIDA ENVIRONMENT
Impact/Purpose:
The objective of the proposed study is to examine, using previously developed state-of-the-science simulation models, the potential effects of climate change scenarios on South Florida regional environment. Effects of the selected climate change stressors will be assessed on the following physical, ecological, and societal systems: a) regional surface and groundwater hydrology; b) freshwater runoff into coastal estuaries and associated salinity changes; c) seagrass, hardbottom, and mangrove community productivity and distributions; d) estuarine fish and invertebrate populations; e) economics of recreational fishing; f) wetlands hydroperiod in the Everglades; g) wading bird populations and other Everglades ecological attributes; h) urban and agricultural water supply; and I) urban flood control. This diverse suite of effects endpoints provides an integrated perspective on relevant risks to humans and the environment.
Description:
This study is examining the potential effects of climate change on the South Florida regional environment. It is being funded by the EPA Global Change Research Program through the EPA "Science to Achieve Results" (STAR) grants program. It is one of five grants awarded in response to the 1999 STAR Request for Assistance (RFA) entitled, "Integrated Assessment of the Positive and Negative Consequences on the United States of Climate Change and Climate Variability."