Florida Ignores Risk of Rising Sea Levels

Monday, November 02, 2009

As early as the 1980s, scientists warned that rising seas could submerge vast portions of Florida's coast. How have local and state governments responded? Build, baby, build. "The thing that is hard to fathom is how are we going to be able to hold back the sea in a massive way in order to keep people at their current locations?" asks regional planner Daniel Trescott.

Posted by rcade at 05:22 PM | 63 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry

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rcade

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I advise you all to evacuate now! No matter where you are, you are in danger. Earthquakes, tidal waves, hurricanes, floods, blizzards,swine flu and really bad fall tv lineups are putting you in great danger. Find a safe hole to craw into until it's safe!!! Better yet. You stay here, I'll go get help!!

#1 | Posted by STIRSUMUP at 2009-11-02 06:12 PM | Reply | Flag:

Rising sea levels won't ignore Florida on the other hand.....

#2 | Posted by dibblda at 2009-11-02 06:25 PM | Reply | Flag:

Wow.

All of this by 2100

#3 | Posted by jerrytarkanian at 2009-11-02 06:36 PM | Reply | Flag:

Where are all the nudist volleyballers going to go now?

#4 | Posted by dxlingr at 2009-11-02 06:55 PM | Reply | Flag:

Bushy's fault!

#5 | Posted by rightnut at 2009-11-02 07:12 PM | Reply | Flag:

And as late as the 70's, these were the same "scientists" warning of an upcoming ice age.

Unfortunately, most scientists these days are more interested in spinning or fabricating results in order to get funding for their pre-determined point of view than they are in doing legitimate, unbiased research.

#6 | Posted by Dinsey at 2009-11-02 07:34 PM | Reply | Flag:

Many scientists are predicting global cooling and falling sea levels in which case beachfront property will become larger and more valuable.

#7 | Posted by fwthom at 2009-11-02 07:42 PM | Reply | Flag:

Beneath all the bullshit that has created this country lies the developer. Cities and counties worship these fucks. All politics is not local, but this problem is the result of narrow local corruption.

#8 | Posted by nutcase at 2009-11-02 07:59 PM | Reply | Flag:

Wait... My condo is 10 feet above sea level. Now 9 no worry. Now 6 hmmm. Now 4 where did the beach go?????

Now 2 Oh Crap!!!

blpppppbb bllppppb help.... LMAO!

#9 | Posted by Unclesam at 2009-11-02 08:10 PM | Reply | Flag:

Don't know many scientists, do you?

#10 | Posted by apparatchik at 2009-11-02 08:40 PM | Reply | Flag:

My condo has a parking garage below. The water could get twelve feet deep and all I would have to do is switch from a car to a boat.
My bet is, about global warming and all, is when it really gets critical, there will be some extremely violent and terrible wars, there will be some huge exterminations of human beings and then the population will drop down to manageable levels.
Who will still be alive, I don't know.
But someone will be, and they will begin the next civilization. Sooner or later overpopulation will cause events that will dramatically reduce population and restore the ecosystem of the Earth.

#11 | Posted by danni at 2009-11-02 09:34 PM | Reply | Flag:

And as late as the 70's, these were the same "scientists" warning of an upcoming ice age.

So a small minority of scientists claim global cooling in the 70's, journalists at the time make a big deal out of it at the time, and we are left with ignorant statements like this for the next 40 years.

#12 | Posted by dibblda at 2009-11-02 09:43 PM | Reply | Flag:

"And as late as the 70's, these were the same "scientists" warning of an upcoming ice age.

#6 | Posted by Dinsey"

I call bullshit on that. Let's see your evidence that these are the "same scientists."

#13 | Posted by mOntecOre at 2009-11-02 09:49 PM | Reply | Flag:

Let's see your evidence that these are the "same scientists."

It doesn't matter if they are the same scientists. The point is scientists can be wrong. See what I mean about intelligence vis-a-vis a sheepskin? Clearly your advanced degree didn't state what an intelligent person can deduce.

#14 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-02 09:58 PM | Reply | Flag:

I am prepared. Bought just far enough away so that when it happens I am oceanfront.

Then I sell, triple my money and surf off into the sunset.

How did I get the info? Why I asked Zat's pool of course.

#15 | Posted by The_Chapel at 2009-11-02 09:59 PM | Reply | Flag:

"It doesn't matter if they are the same scientists."

Yes, it does. (But don't beat yourself up for not realizing this. Plenty of degree-less people would make this mistake.)

"The point is scientists can be wrong."

I agree. However, while that might be your point, that was not the claim made by Dinsey. (You know, the person I was responding to when you interrupted?)

"See what I mean about intelligence vis-a-vis a sheepskin? Clearly your advanced degree didn't state what an intelligent person can deduce.
#14 | Posted by goatman"

I see where you could miss the point and attempt to change the point, all in one retort. But again, don't beat yourself up - I'm sure you learned other useful things while you were smoking your Thai stick on the 70's.

#16 | Posted by mOntecOre at 2009-11-02 10:03 PM | Reply | Flag:

I'm sure you learned other useful things while you were smoking your Thai stick on the 70's.

Mainly how to hide the stench. But not really anything useful that carried me through life.

#17 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-02 10:07 PM | Reply | Flag:

Yes, it does.

No it doesn't. The institution is the same even if the people change.

#18 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-02 10:08 PM | Reply | Flag:

If the same scientist predicts one thing and then predicts something else, that particular scientist loses credibility. I'm sorry if that is too complex for you to understand.

#19 | Posted by mOntecOre at 2009-11-02 10:10 PM | Reply | Flag:

Oh shit; don't tell Al Gore or we'll never here the end of the I told you so's.

If this is REALLY an issue, why the hell is the federal government rebuilding New Orleans?

Global Warming is a bullshit money-grab. Wake the fuck up.

#20 | Posted by Ari at 2009-11-02 10:11 PM | Reply | Flag:

If the same scientist predicts one thing and then predicts something else, that particular scientist loses credibility. I'm sorry if that is too complex for you to understand.

???

You are the one who questioned whether they are the same scientists.

#21 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-02 10:15 PM | Reply | Flag:

If the same scientist predicts one thing and then predicts something else, that particular scientist loses credibility.

Like Einstein when he built the cosmological constant into his General Theory to make it work then later renounced it? LOL Yeah, he really lost credibility.

#22 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-02 10:17 PM | Reply | Flag:

Correct. Because if the scientists who predict global climate change today predicted global cooling in the 70's, then their current predictions would/should hold less weight. On the other hand, if the scientists who predicted global cooling in the 70's are different than the scientists predicting global climate change today, then the scientists today are not tainted by the predictions of the 70's, especially if they have plausible explanations for why the predictors in the 70's were wrong.

Are you really not getting this, or are you being purposely obtuse?

#23 | Posted by mOntecOre at 2009-11-02 10:19 PM | Reply | Flag:

"Like Einstein when he built the cosmological constant into his General Theory to make it work then later renounced it? LOL Yeah, he really lost credibility.

#22 | Posted by goatman"

Apparently, your education did not include logic. But don't beat yourself up - lots of people make these kinds of mistakes.

#24 | Posted by mOntecOre at 2009-11-02 10:21 PM | Reply | Flag:

then their current predictions would/should hold less weight.

All else being the same -- yes.

But data increased, testing methods advanced, etc.

Or did you really think the science of climatology (or any science) is static and unchanged in 35 years?

I suppose you think Newton is a complete idiot since his theories of gravity were completely trashed by Einstein, don't you? Or Stephen Jay Gould who once embraced causal evolution then changed his stance and came up with punctuated equilibrium when more data poured in?

Science is dynamic. Only an idiot sticks with the guy who is unmoving in the face of new contradictory data.

Is this the kind of thinking an advanced degree gets you? LOL Glad I don't have one.

#25 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-02 10:28 PM | Reply | Flag:

But don't beat yourself up

*yawn* not that line again.

your "advanced degree" is losing tonight, m'boor. Spend the rest of the time convincing yourself. I know better.

#26 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-02 10:30 PM | Reply | Flag:

Thank you for showing that I was right in the first place, Tweedle. (Did you forget where this started?)

""And as late as the 70's, these were the same "scientists" warning of an upcoming ice age.
#6 | Posted by Dinsey"

"I call bullshit on that. Let's see your evidence that these are the "same scientists.""

#27 | Posted by mOntecOre at 2009-11-02 10:35 PM | Reply | Flag:

Sorry, but your lessons are over for tonight Tweedle. To address the weaknesses you exhibited, please spend some time learning about logical fallacies. It might be hard at times, but try not quit like you quit college.

#28 | Posted by mOntecOre at 2009-11-02 10:37 PM | Reply | Flag:

but your lessons are over for tonight Tweedle.

???

I wasn't aware any started.

Oh, you mean the lessons I gave you, the guy with the advanced degree.

You're welcome.

#29 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-02 10:38 PM | Reply | Flag:

It might be hard at times, but try not quit like you quit college.

It's not difficult at all. I am far more intelligent than you even if you do have an "advanced degree" that you always like to brag about (people insecure with their own intelligence do this a lot, I've learned). This isn't meant as a slight, it is simply the logical conclusion from reading your posts.

You erroneously thought (like Bush) that having a degree somehow made you smarter. It didn't. I'm sorry if I burst your bubble, but honestly, I'm pretty sure it is something you have suspected all along and did not need me to tell you.

#30 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-02 10:44 PM | Reply | Flag:

"I am far more intelligent than you
Posted by goatman"

"(people insecure with their own intelligence do this a lot, I've learned)
Posted by goatman"

Awesome self-retorting retort. See you around, Mr. "I am far more intelligent than you." ROTFLMAO

#31 | Posted by mOntecOre at 2009-11-02 10:49 PM | Reply | Flag:

ROTFLMAO

Good. Insecure people like you need something to laugh at. As I don't mind being the target of you sexual fantasies, (from afar, of course) feel free to pretend I am an idiot so you can elevate your own sense of worth. It doesn't phase me a bit, but seems to mean the world to you.

#32 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-02 10:51 PM | Reply | Flag:

Okay, Mr. I am far more intelligent than you. LOL.

#33 | Posted by mOntecOre at 2009-11-02 10:52 PM | Reply | Flag:

See you around, Mr. "I am far more intelligent than you."

OK, mr advanced degree.

#34 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-02 10:54 PM | Reply | Flag:

Don't look now, but Florida and Gulf States
like Mississippi will want a Bailout for this...

#35 | Posted by earthmuse at 2009-11-03 06:01 AM | Reply | Flag:

You're flailing again, Crocky. Tell the nice lady you need some more oxygen.

#36 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2009-11-03 06:30 AM | Reply | Flag:

Does the Bankers Club gin help the waffles go down any easier, Doc?

#37 | Posted by cookfish at 2009-11-03 06:40 AM | Reply | Flag:

Does the Bankers Club gin help the waffles go down any easier, Doc?
#38 | Posted by cookfish

Dunno, Crocky. But if it makes you feel any better, give it a try; knock yourself out. No need to report back. And keep the sucker, sucker.

#38 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2009-11-03 06:46 AM | Reply | Flag:

My condo has a parking garage below. The water could get twelve feet deep and all I would have to do is switch from a car to a boat.

#11 | Posted by danni

Here is the "car" for you, the Python:

www.watercar.com

#39 | Posted by ZOT at 2009-11-03 08:29 AM | Reply | Flag:

Thanks for that Zot, that looks like a cool car.

#40 | Posted by danni at 2009-11-03 08:37 AM | Reply | Flag:

Anyone rich enough to own an oceanfront property is a piece of shit and deserves to drown anyway.

#41 | Posted by TylerDurden at 2009-11-03 08:55 AM | Reply | Flag:

It's time to let the free market decide these issues. Build wherever-get insurance (or not) and do_not_bail_out the insurance companies meaning do not remove the risks/consequences from the market. This more then anything else will discipline the business as well as the consumers. Simple-effective and does not cost us taxpayers a one thin dime as Obama likes to say...

#42 | Posted by Liberty at 2009-11-03 09:35 AM | Reply | Flag:

You're flailing again, Crocky. Tell the nice lady you need some more oxygen.

#37 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis

dok, you are the ace of personal attacks.

Can't you make an arguement against cro? I guess I already knew the answer to that one.

#43 | Posted by Sniper at 2009-11-03 09:44 AM | Reply | Flag:

Can't you make an arguement against cro?
#44 | Posted by Sniper

Snoops, if you were better at processing what you read you might've noticed that Crocky hasn't made a coherent argument. But, then again, if wishes were horses beggars would ride.

#44 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2009-11-03 09:59 AM | Reply | Flag:

Next thing you know they'll be telling us the world is round, the moon isn't made of cheese, your body is made of things called cells, and gravity causes things to fall rather than God pushing down upon them. Stupid people. When will you stop listening to these people who read books and study things and start listening to me? There is no such thing as global warming and I can prove it if you send me a mere 20% of your annual income and your daughters (if they are hot).

No, but seriously? When the scientists say something, I choose to bet on them rather than against them. They are generally correct, especially since the advent of computers.

#45 | Posted by Sycophant at 2009-11-03 10:02 AM | Reply | Flag:

Spent 10 years living and working in Sarasota area. Finally got out and moved to TN three years ago.

This after insurance rates first quadrupled, then most insurers completely bailed out, so we were forced to buy state insurance (at same price).

Now, taxes are so outrageous that 25-30 year residents are selling (if they're lucky) and moving north.

Fuck Florida, the palmetto bugs, fire ants, Mexican grass cutters, and the snowbirds who drive slow!!

Forever!!

#46 | Posted by BiggieDan at 2009-11-03 10:43 AM | Reply | Flag:

As usual, no one at all has proved sea levels are rising or will rise, but the bullshit industry needs to promote socialism.....

#47 | Posted by Diablo at 2009-11-03 11:15 AM | Reply | Flag:

#48 | Posted by Diablo at 2009-11-03 11:15 AM | Reply | Flag: Needs to move to Kiribati soon.

Kiribati: Rising Sea Level Submerging Island Nation
trendsupdates.com

Recent sea level rise www2.grist.org

No one has proven that Diablow has a functioning neuron, let alone two.

#48 | Posted by Zatoichi at 2009-11-03 11:20 AM | Reply | Flag:

No, but seriously? When the scientists say something, I choose to bet on them rather than against them. They are generally correct, especially since the advent of computers.

#46 | Posted by Sycophant at 2009-11-03 10:02 AM | Reply | Flag:

Yes, the astronauts lost on the space shuttles agree with you I am sure. Chernobyl and three mile island ring a bell? Fen-phen? Y2K? Pluto? Table of elements? The list is almost endless.

#49 | Posted by ELCIDCE90 at 2009-11-03 11:23 AM | Reply | Flag:

^.^

Actually the scientists were right back in the 70s, and again in the 80s & 90s. The climate is changing.

Big WHOOP! The climate is ALWAYS changing. We have had global warming, and global ice ages, and guess what ... entire species of animals have been eradicated, and will be until the sun kills the entire planet at some point in the long-distant future.

Gotta luv how scientists will scare the HELL out of people because of something we can do nothing about.

JEB

#50 | Posted by lunahq7 at 2009-11-03 11:24 AM | Reply | Flag:

As usual, no one at all has proved sea levels are rising or will rise, but the bullshit industry needs to promote socialism.....

As usual, diablo has not shown that he cannot do simple research, much less understand the basic concepts of socialist or conservative government.

www.aviso.oceanobs.com

#51 | Posted by RingMaster at 2009-11-03 11:26 AM | Reply | Flag:

#49 | Posted by Zatoichi at 2009-11-03 11:20 AM | Reply | Flag:

Of course that is all related to ice melt and not subsidence right ZAT?

#52 | Posted by ELCIDCE90 at 2009-11-03 11:31 AM | Reply | Flag:

The problem is, they aren't rising. In all of the 20th century global sea levels rose a paltry 2". In this century, those scientists who have been actually measuring sea levels say another 2" maybe, perhaps none at all.

Forget the climate warming models. They are politically motivated fictions, not science.

#53 | Posted by MontyPython at 2009-11-03 12:05 PM | Reply | Flag:

so danni

how long can you hold your breath?

lol

#54 | Posted by afkabl2 at 2009-11-03 12:05 PM | Reply | Flag:

spam alert!!!

#55 | Posted by eberly at 2009-11-03 12:30 PM | Reply | Flag:

I live in Florida. I'm less than a mile from the Gulf as I type this.

I'm not worried. Heck, I go OUT OF MY WAY to produce more than my fair share of methane. I take the issue of my personal methane production MUCH more seriously than I take global warming.

#56 | Posted by USAF242 at 2009-11-03 01:33 PM | Reply | Flag:

I am about 5 miles from the coast, but at sea level and I have no fear of this. It is not an issue really and those at sea level can see that. It is like terrorism being the number one issue in Kansas, but New York, which was hit, voted on other things.

#57 | Posted by kanrei at 2009-11-03 01:38 PM | Reply | Flag:

Alternate headline:

Florida Not Buying Into The Eco-hysteria Religious Movement

#58 | Posted by HopeyChangey at 2009-11-03 02:19 PM | Reply | Flag:

dok, I guess if someone els does it, it's good enough for you. Do try to make an arguement, not a slam.

#59 | Posted by Sniper at 2009-11-03 02:41 PM | Reply | Flag:

Gotta luv how scientists will scare the HELL out of people because of something we can do nothing about.

obviously those "scare" tactics are not working as well as they "hoped"...

Florida Not Buying Into The Eco-hysteria Religious Movement

Yup... those dang scientists sure are being hysterical about the whole thing.

``The thing that is hard to fathom is how are we going to be able to hold back the sea in a massive way in order to keep people at their current locations?'' Trescott said. ``The reason we did this was to get people to start talking about what we are going to do.''

#60 | Posted by donnerboy at 2009-11-03 04:32 PM | Reply | Flag:

I'm not worried. Heck, I go OUT OF MY WAY to produce more than my fair share of methane. I take the issue of my personal methane production MUCH more seriously than I take global warming.

Yes, this is true. We can smell it half way around the world in Hawaii!!!

#61 | Posted by RingMaster at 2009-11-03 04:35 PM | Reply | Flag:

Anyway, not to worry. Florida will just dredge out some more disasterous canals to build levies. One way or the other, it won't make Florida a nicer shit hole no matter what they do.

#62 | Posted by RingMaster at 2009-11-03 04:41 PM | Reply | Flag:

it won't make Florida a nicer shit hole no matter what they do.

Though Hawaii has beautiful beaches, Florida's are much better, IMO.

#63 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-03 04:42 PM | Reply | Flag: