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Sea Level Rise Misconceptions in Broward County, FL

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Date Issued:
2014
Summary:
Global climate change stressors downscale to specific local vulnerabilities, thus requiring tailored adaptation strategies. Southeast Florida is uniquely vulnerable in terms of exposure to sea level rise due to low-lying porous limestone geology, high-valued coastal properties, treasured ecosystems, and dense populations at risk. Coastal populations are particularly at risk due to erosion, inundation and storm surge, but interior populations are also susceptible to rising water tables and extended periods of inundation amplified by SLR. Robust SLR adaptation options require significant economic costs that people may not be willing to pay for if they do not understand their real risk. If perceived risk does not adequately line up with actual risk, the necessary strategies may not be implemented.
This study aims to compare perceived risk to actual risk to sea level rise in Broward County, FL. Perceived risk of residents, measured via an online survey, was layered over actual risk in terms of flooding, storm surge, and loss of property. Using GIS, a coastal vulnerability index was constructed for the actual risk, and principal component analysis identified the key factors influencing perceived risk. Results show where risk is underestimated, realistic, or overestimated, quantified both spatially and demographically. The concerns of residents are misaligned with the true vulnerability on many impacts, while others were very accurately understood. There are many opportunities for resilience that require preparation and adaptation. The first step to solving a problem is acknowledging that it exists. Where should outreach be targeted for increasing awareness?
Title: Sea Level Rise Misconceptions in Broward County, FL.
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Name(s): Bolter, Keren P., author
Hindle, Tobin
Graduate College
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Poster
Date Created: 2014
Date Issued: 2014
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Florida
Physical Form: pdf
Extent: 1 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: Global climate change stressors downscale to specific local vulnerabilities, thus requiring tailored adaptation strategies. Southeast Florida is uniquely vulnerable in terms of exposure to sea level rise due to low-lying porous limestone geology, high-valued coastal properties, treasured ecosystems, and dense populations at risk. Coastal populations are particularly at risk due to erosion, inundation and storm surge, but interior populations are also susceptible to rising water tables and extended periods of inundation amplified by SLR. Robust SLR adaptation options require significant economic costs that people may not be willing to pay for if they do not understand their real risk. If perceived risk does not adequately line up with actual risk, the necessary strategies may not be implemented.
This study aims to compare perceived risk to actual risk to sea level rise in Broward County, FL. Perceived risk of residents, measured via an online survey, was layered over actual risk in terms of flooding, storm surge, and loss of property. Using GIS, a coastal vulnerability index was constructed for the actual risk, and principal component analysis identified the key factors influencing perceived risk. Results show where risk is underestimated, realistic, or overestimated, quantified both spatially and demographically. The concerns of residents are misaligned with the true vulnerability on many impacts, while others were very accurately understood. There are many opportunities for resilience that require preparation and adaptation. The first step to solving a problem is acknowledging that it exists. Where should outreach be targeted for increasing awareness?
Identifier: FA00005139 (IID)
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: FAU Digital Library
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005139
Restrictions on Access: Author retains copyright.
Host Institution: FAU