Miami, a vibrant coastal city in southeastern Florida (USA), faces increasing vulnerability due to sea level rise. Built on a low-lying peninsula, much of the city is just a couple of meters above sea level, making it highly susceptible to flooding, storm surges, and saltwater intrusion. Coastal neighborhoods and critical infrastructure, including roads, sewage systems, and utilities, are already at risk from chronic flooding during high tides and extreme weather events.
The city’s unique coastal ecosystems, including mangroves and coral reefs, are being degraded by rising seas and warming waters, threatening biodiversity and natural flood protection. As Miami’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, real estate, and finance, rising seas risk damaging these sectors, especially properties located near the shore. Flooding disrupts business operations and reduces the appeal of waterfront areas.
For Miami’s residents, particularly those in lower-income, coastal communities, the challenges are profound. Displacement, property damage, and lack of resources for adaptation deepen existing inequalities. As sea levels continue to rise, the city will face even greater challenges in balancing growth, sustainability, and climate resilience. Addressing sea level rise in Miami is vital not only for the city but for coastal urban planning globally.