Urban Planning in Response to Sea Level Rise and Future Urbanization in Southern Florida

Abstract

The sea level rise and the rapid change of land use have brought great challenges to the urban development and ecological protection in coastal areas. In southern Florida, future urban areas may be inundated due to sea level rise, and there is conflict between urban expansion and wildlife habitat. In order to direct the urban planning and provide habitat for wildlife, the sea level rise scenario should be projected, and priority protected areas need to be identified. With this aim, we used the digital elevation model data to simulate sea level rise in 3 scenarios (0.4m, 0.6m, and 1.0m) and identified areas that would be inundated. We also applied species habitat data and urban planning data from Florida 2070 into the Zonation software to project conservation priority in the study area. Results showed that in 2070, 3.6%, 4.2%, and 6.5% of the urban built-up area would be inundated respectively, under 0.4m, 0.6m, and 1.0m sea level rise scenarios, and priority protected areas are mainly located in Collier, Hendry, Monroe, and Lee counties. Lands suitable for urban planning are mainly located in the north and middle of the study area.