Key West: See It Before It Sinks

A Haunting Look at a Sinking City

Key West, the southernmost point in the United States, is slowly sinking into the sea. The city is built on a porous limestone foundation that is easily eroded by the rising sea levels. In addition, the city's infrastructure is aging and in need of repair, which makes it even more vulnerable to damage from storms and flooding.

KEY WEST: See It Before It Sinks

by Jon Breakfield

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	464 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	295 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The effects of climate change are already being felt in Key West. The sea level has risen by about 8 inches in the past century, and it is projected to rise by another 1 to 4 feet by the end of the century. This is causing increased flooding and erosion, which is damaging homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

The city is taking steps to address the threat of sea level rise, but it is a daunting task. The city has installed pumps to remove floodwaters, and it is raising the elevation of roads and sidewalks. However, these measures are only temporary solutions. Eventually, the city will need to relocate or build a seawall to protect itself from the rising sea.

The sinking of Key West is a warning to other coastal cities around the world. As the sea level continues to rise, more and more cities will be forced to confront the same challenges that Key West is facing today.

History and Culture of Key West

Key West has a rich history and culture that is unique among American cities. The city was first settled by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, and it later became a haven for pirates and smugglers. In the 19th century, Key West became a major port for the cigar industry, and it was also a popular destination for tourists.

Today, Key West is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and laid-back atmosphere. The city is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, and it hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year.

Challenges Facing Key West

In addition to the threat of sea level rise, Key West is also facing a number of other challenges, including:

• Overcrowding: Key West is a small island, and its population has been growing rapidly in recent years. This has led to increased traffic congestion, pollution, and crime.
• Aging infrastructure: Key West's infrastructure is aging and in need of repair. This includes roads, bridges, and water and sewer systems.
• Lack of affordable housing: The cost of housing in Key West is high, and it is difficult for many people to afford to live on the island.

The Future of Key West

The future of Key West is uncertain. The city is facing a number of challenges, including sea level rise, overcrowding, aging infrastructure, and a lack of affordable housing. However, the city is also taking steps to address these challenges, and it is possible that Key West will be able to adapt to the changing climate and continue to thrive.

One possible future for Key West is that it will become a "floating city." This would involve building a series of platforms or islands that would be anchored to the ocean floor. The platforms would be home to homes, businesses, and other infrastructure, and they would be able to rise and fall with the sea level.

Another possible future for Key West is that it will become a "climate change refugee city." This would involve relocating the entire city to a higher elevation. This would be a massive undertaking, but it may be necessary if the sea level rises too high.

Key West is a beautiful and unique city, but it is facing a number of challenges, including sea level rise, overcrowding, aging infrastructure, and a lack of affordable housing. The future of Key West is uncertain, but the city is taking steps to address these challenges. It is possible that Key West will be able to adapt to the changing climate and continue to thrive, but it is also possible that the city will be forced to relocate or even abandon the island.

KEY WEST: See It Before It Sinks

by Jon Breakfield

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	464 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	295 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE