Miami-Dade Sea Level Rise Task Force Report and Recommendations
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Material Information

Title:
Miami-Dade Sea Level Rise Task Force Report and Recommendations
Creator:
Ruvin, Harvey
Murley,James
Enfield, David
Fain, Sara E.
Fair, T. Willard
Gonzalez, Jorge
Milian, Arsenio
Publication Date:
Language:
English

Notes

Abstract:
Warming of the oceans, melting ice sheets, and extreme weather events have become more prominent realities during the past year. Southeast Florida has been experiencing some of these effects first-hand, with severe downpours and “king tides” causing localized flooding in some areas of Miami-Dade County. These events provide a glimpse into the future of what we may expect to experience even more frequently and to more extremes in the region. They also provide an opportunity to better understand what these extremes may mean for our community and how we can begin to address these impacts now. Noting the mounting evidence supporting the overwhelming scientific consensus that climate change is real and in fact already accelerating sea level rise, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners (BCC) wisely created the Miami-Dade County Sea Level Rise Task Force (Task Force) in July 2013 by unanimously passing Resolution No. R-599-13 (Appendix A), as a focused next step to better gauge and plan for what lies ahead. Our charge was multifaceted: a) To provide a realistic assessment of the likely impacts of sea level rise and storm surge over time. b) To make recommendations relative to the Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP), Capital Facilities Planning and other priorities. The Task Force was provided with prior studies, reports and evaluations of potential impacts on vital services and facilities, ecological resources and infrastructure. The Task Force met fourteen times and heard presentation from various experts on topics ranging from a review of county and regional planning efforts regarding climate impacts, storm-water management and drainage, sewerage systems, vulnerabilities of freshwater aquifers and wells, the role of Everglades restoration and natural systems in resilience, how to build resilience in communities, as well as the serious insurance and reinsurance implications of expected sea level rise. All presentations and minutes of the Task Force meetings are posted on line at the Miami-Dade Sea Level Rise Task Force webpage.1 All of our deliberations and discussions have been guided by Sunshine Law directives. A detailed list of all presentations made at the Task Force meetings can be found in Appendix B.

Record Information

Source Institution:
Florida International University
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