Video story by Leali Shalabi. Videography by Ta’Bria Snowden. Web editing by Harriette Hanley and Dylan Cohen.
Sea levels rising one inch every three years aims to threaten Florida’s roads, drinking water supply and sewage systems if climate change trends continue as they are.
Melting ice in the polar ice caps has caused tidal flooding in some areas around Florida to increase by 352% since 2000. This has caused taxpayers to pay $4 billion in damages.
Youth climate activists in the Tampa Bay area took to the streets on Climate Action Day on Nov. 4 to demand immediate change in policy to address the worsening effects of climate change.
The disadvantaged communities and populations of Tampa are at greater risk of flooding and excessive heat due to gentrification within neighborhoods. By 2040, diseases associated with higher temperature climates are expected to claim more than 1,000 lives and disproportionately affect poorer and marginalized communities.
“In Tampa, we have problems with environmental racism, where public housing doesn’t have sufficient AC,” said Youth Climate Action Leader Anisa Nanavati. “So underserved communities are forced to deal with extreme heat.”
By 2100, it is projected Florida’s coastal cities will be uninhabitable. Sea levels are projected to rise 17 inches by 2030 and a meter by 2060.
“The standards on climate education, and, like Florida curriculum are so awful, they’re abysmal,” said Nanavati. “Basically, what schools are required to teach is that the climate is changing. Congratulations, again, you get a gold star. Thank you, we already knew that. But we also need more in depth education, a lot of the times, you have kids who are not learning about the climate crisis at all.”
Nanavati said corporations are to blame for polluting the Earth, with 100 fossil fuel companies responsible for 70% of all greenhouse emissions. She said they also donate money to politicians who will obstruct progressive climate policy, creating an endless loop. Nanavati encouraged the youth to speak up for change and vote wisely for leaders who will do something against climate change.
“We deserve a louder voice at the table,” said Nanavati. “I mean, it’s unfortunate how many youth have had to grow up so quick in order to start talking about this issue.”
