Florida-Coastal Growth

Question 1

Why has coastalisation taken place?

Answer 1

• Florida has an equable climate (75 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Florida has flat, low-lying land-construction
• Florida has 663 miles of beach
• Marine life, including dolphins and coral reefs, attract tourists.
• The Everglades National Park is a big tourist attraction due to its unique wildlife
• Florida has over 800 airports, providing easy access to the coastline

Question 2

evidence of coastalisation?

Answer 2

• By 1970, its coastal population had reached 110m people (16% increase from 1960).
• The total value of Florida’s coastal property is $1.9 trillion.
• Between 1960 and 2008, Palm Beach grew by 1 million residents

Question 3

Issues with coastalisation?

Answer 3

• Coast development: 16% of all Florida’s coral was found dead or bleached in 1998.
• In South Florida, over 2.4m people live within 1 meter of the high-tide line.
• Due to climate change, the risk of storm surges is expected to double by 2030.
• Local authorities spent taxpayer money to prevent flooding and erosion. For example, Miami has allocated £7bn to build new coastal defences.