Friday, December 18, 2009

Big Pine Key & Global Warming

Whenever Big Pine Key is mentioned in the news I pay a little more attention to what is being said. Big Pine Key was my first assignment after seminary. It is one of the largest of the Florida Keys and one of the most diverse. Big Pine Key is the home to the Key Deer - the smallest of the deer family. This past week there was a report on NPR from Big Pine Key concerning the effects of global warming.

I know that there are two sides to the Global Warming debate. I hear both sides within my own family. Some call it "silly science" while others are very strong believers. Regardless which side demands your loyalty what is happening on Big Pine Key requires close attention.

Why?

It appears that Big Pine Key is experiencing the first signs of rising ocean levels as it relates to the melting of the polar ice cap. There is over 100 acres of Florida Key forest which is now under water ... and the level is rising slowly and steadily. At first nobody noticed, but when it reached a certain level, people who live on the key, began to ask questions. The scientists were called. They are presently keeping a careful watch.

Is it just an example of the ebb-n-flow of nature or the first real sign in America of the often mentioned coastal flooding because of global warming?

What is your opinion?

No comments:

Post a Comment