Do you want to see one of the world’s greatest phenomena before it’s gone? Like the Great Barrier Reef, climate change threatens the Everglades’ chance of survival. Its vitality is unknown, so if you want to see the Everglades before it’s forever changed, best visit now.

Because Florida is so flat, climate change affects the Everglades in a big way. Sea surrounds the majority of the Everglades perimeter. What this means? The Everglades are the first to experience the harsh effects of rising sea levels. If precautions aren’t taken, the Everglades we know now could be underwater in the future. One thing’s for certain: climate change is already in effect, and it’s already changing the landscape of the Everglades.

What exactly is climate change?

Climate change refers to fluctuations in the world’s weather patterns. Changes in precipitation, seasons and temperature all result from climate change. Many scientists believe the world is seeing higher average temperatures, also known as global warming, causing the polar ice caps to melt and sea levels to rise. These scientific researches attribute much of climate change to human emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.

How does climate change affect the Everglades?

Sea levels in South Florida are rising at an accelerated rate, which interferes with the Everglades’ ability to adapt. Not only is the landscape threatened but also all of the plants and wildlife that inhabit it.

The inner waterways of Everglades National Park (freshwater estuaries, sloughs, cypress swamps, etc.) exhibit water level rise congruent with global sea level rise. This is proof that sea level rise doesn’t just affect our coastal waters – it spans inland, affecting our rivers, creeks, estuaries and essentially all of our land. This contaminates, or “salinizes,” once-freshwater bodies and the surrounding land, thus jeopardizing the survival of endangered plants and animals.

Areas of the Everglades affected by climate change:

• South Florida
• Cape Cable
• The Saline Glades

How do we combat climate change?

The National Park Service devised a four-prong plan to combat climate change. This “response strategy” centers around science, adaptation, mitigation and communication. Through this initiative, the NPS will monitor protected parts of the Everglades to minimize destruction due to climate change.

You can make a difference too. Change your everyday actions to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the Everglades. Whether you live in South Florida or in Alaska, you inadvertently affect the Everglades. You can help through actions so simple as recycling, carpooling and minimizing electricity use.

See the Everglades now

By taking preventative measures, we can preserve the Everglades. If we don’t, the Everglades may not be around much longer. See the Everglades before they’re forever changed.

The best way to experience the Everglades is by airboat. Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours offer panoramic views of the Everglades. To schedule your airboat tour today, click here or call 239-695-3377.