In her new book "Sink or Swim", Susannah Fisher explores the challenges of adaptation efforts.
Miami, considered "ground zero" for climate change by its mayor, Francis Suarez, is a prime example of a city that must adapt. The city's sea-level rise strategy, led by Miami-Dade County, aims to address the issue of living with an extra 60cm of water through measures such as:
However, critics argue that the strategy's primary goal is to reassure investors rather than ensure long-term safety. The financial costs of adaptation are significant, with a US$400 million resilience bond funding infrastructure to protect the city and its assets.
Miami has no choice but to adapt.
Author's summary: Miami must adapt to climate change due to rising sea levels.