Climate Change and the Indian River Lagoon
HOW CLIMATE CHANGE CAN IMPACT OUR COASTAL WATERS
The health of our lagoon and coastal ocean is jeopardized by the increasing heat content of the ocean and atmosphere. However, it’s not too late to take action.
Environmental Effects
The health of our Indian River Lagoon and coastal ocean waters are linked to factors that include climate change. The increasing effects of ocean and atmospheric heating, can offset regional and local efforts to restore and maintain the health of our coastal resources.
Around the country, diverse estuarine and ocean resources are increasingly at risk. Florida’s 156 mile long Indian River Lagoon is a model to understand and respond to the increased heating of essential coastal ecosystems.
Hotter temperatures
extreme weather
ocean & EstuariNe acidification
Rising Seas
SURPRISES ARE GUARANTEED
Economic Impacts
The lagoon and its coastal waters are a natural treasure for the Space Coast. Beyond the obvious costs of more algal blooms and fish kills, there can be surprisingly diverse economic impacts from inaction on climate change across regional and local business sectors.
Fishing Costs
Climate change raises many inter-linked challenges that can impact Florida’s coastal fisheries.
health
Increasing air and ocean heat content means humans will be exposed to additional public health challenges.
military
The Department of Defense has long recognized climate change as a source of regional and global instability.
Business
Climate change impacts can threaten the bottom line of many business sectors.
economic opportunitY
The good news is that climate change also presents business opportunities.
What We Can Do
We can make a difference… Find out more on how to get involved at local, state, and national levels.
OUR COASTAL WATERS Need You
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LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
STATE GOVERNMENT
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
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