Federal government completes 1,600-page climate change study

Writer: Jack Lowenstein
Published: Updated:
Photo by AP.

A new report is sounding the alarm about the predicted effects of climate change over the next century.

The 1,600-page study released by the federal government outlines devastating potential consequences from wildfires in California to massive sea level rise here in Florida.

These findings have drawn criticism from President Donald Trump.

“I don’t believe it,” Trump said.

Climate expert Jim Beever said the high-profile skepticism won’t make the problem disappear.

“Belief in climate change is certainly optional, but participation is mandatory,” Beever said. “So, it doesn’t matter if you believe or not that it’s climate change. The sea level is going to rise on your waterfront property. The hurricanes are more severe and more damaging.”

Beever said the changing climate will have a major effect here in Southwest Florida. It has many people in coastal communities like Sanibel Island worried.

Beever said it’s not too late for communities to adapt by moving infrastructure to higher elevations and preparing local health departments to treat tropical diseases. Some communities such as Punta Gorda have already begun to take initiative.

Click here to view the report.

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