Research on the Ecological and Economic Impacts of Rising Sea Levels on Mangroves in Southern Florida in the Context of Climate Change

St.John’s Ravenscourt School, Winnipeg, MB, R2C-R3Y, Canada

^* Corresponding author: dingo@learners.sjr.mb.ca

Abstract

The decline in mangrove ecosystems is a major contributor to the loss of biodiversity, extra carbon release, and local economic instability, particularly in tropical coastal regions that are constantly influenced by climate changes. Despite the importance of the mangroves, there is limited research investigating the consequences. Under the context, this research examines the correlation between mangrove density, sea level rise, and economic impacts in Southern Florida. The work aims to address three main questions: (i) what are the ecological impacts of sea level rising on mangroves density; (ii) what are the economic implications of mangrove loss; (iii) what extent of government intervention should be imposed on the environmental problem. The research presents a two-variable graph that examines the relationship between mangrove density in Southern Florida and sea level rise, analyzing its overall correlation in the Caribbean region. Another correlation study of the impacts of mangrove loss on local tourism is created and set as the focus. The conventional hedonic method is applied as the tool of evaluating mangroves value. The results demonstrate a close negative correlation between sea level and mangrove density, and a positive correlation of mangroves density and local tourism.