Miami’s Climate Change Dilemma: Development vs. Disaster Risk in a Sinking City

The article discusses the growing threat of sea-level rise and more intense weather events, such as flooding and saltwater intrusion, posed to the city of Miami in Florida due to climate change. Despite this risk, development continues at a rapid pace with new buildings being constructed on porous limestone rock that allows water seepage from underground sources, further exacerbating flood risks during heavy rainfall or storm surges. The article highlights how many Americans are still moving into areas increasingly prone to natural disasters and notes the financial threats of such climate-related hazards including damage to property and infrastructure as well as impacts on healthcare and earning potential due to increased insurance premiums, lost earnings from missed work days during flood events or displacement costs. The article also discusses efforts by city officials and developers in Miami to mitigate these risks through building codes and enhanced urban designs aimed at promoting resilience, although some experts suggest that such measures may not be enough given the severity of sea-level rise expected over coming decades as global temperatures continue to climb.