Bad for the Climate
Fossil fuel consumption negatively impacts the environment and contributes to climate change and more roads = more CO2 and more NO2 greenhouse gases. An expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure is the opposite of what the climate needs. While there is no public demand for more toll roads, the public cry for a clean, renewable energy future gets louder each day. Sea level rise and saltwater intrusion already wreak havoc in Miami and the Florida Keys which experienced flooding for forty-two consecutive days in 2019; we have no time to lose.
Adaptation measures to protect and improve quality of life during the next 50 years without negatively impacting the climate abound: strengthening early warning systems, making existing infrastructure resilient, regenerative agriculture, mangrove protection, and implementing strict water conservation measures. Adaptation is the best option because adaptation avoids economic losses, brings innovation and new opportunities, and delivers social and environmental benefits.
The natural environment is a line of defense against floods, droughts, heat waves and hurricanes. This fact cannot be ignored and should not be overlooked. Instead of planning for hurricane evacuation, Florida could be investing in mangrove rehabilitation and protection of wetland systems in order to build resilience.
Future success will not be found in repeating failed actions.