Global climate changes are likely to have profound effects on the Earth’s ecosystems and on our perspectives on ecological conservation. Regional models project varying trends across the United States and even between southern and northern Florida. The purpose of this report is to summarize climate change literature pertinent to south Florida, particularly the Everglades, and to assess potential ecosystem vulnerabilities and the capacity for adaptation to climate change in this important ecosystem.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is unequivocal in stating that the Earth’s climate is warming on the basis of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising average global sea level during the last 100 years. Furthermore, anthropogenic drivers of climate change have greater influence than natural drivers.
