CAPTIVA, Fla. — Rising sea levels in the Gulf of Mexico are becoming a cause for concern for millions living along the coast.
Scientists predict the water may rise as much as 2 feet by 2050, flooding marshes and other low-lying areas. By the end of the century, it could reach up to 6 feet.
Property owners, local leaders and experts met at a symposium held at the South Seas Island Resort Friday to discuss the potential threat.
Clik here to view.
“Every inch is a little bit closer to their homes, so I think people are concerned,” said James Evans, the director of Natural Resources for the City of Sanibel. “I’m concerned about the habitats being the director of natural resources. There are a lot of folks on these barrier islands who are concerned with homes at base flood elevation.”
Dr. Harold Wanless, a professor at the University of Miami, has been studying the issue for years and believes current predictions may be too low when it comes to how high sea levels could rise.
