By Bob Simon
Betty Jean-Jeremy, a social activist engaging in the climate change battle in Florida, says, on July 26, 2023, “Coastal erosion goes hand in hand with the rise of sea level and climate change.”
Observing the coastal erosion effects in certain areas along Courtney Campbell Causeway, she calls for significant actions to help prevent further damage along Florida’s coastline, especially next to essential infrastructures.
“U.S. Congress action can help with the root cause of coastal erosion; a bill can help with environmental issues because people unwillingly and indirectly create this situation,” explained Jean-Jeremy who also works at C.L.E.O Institute as program manager for Tampa Bay area.
An inventory in 2021 reveals that the State of Florida had 825 miles of sandy beaches eroded from the fronting of the Atlantic Ocean through the Straits of Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the roughly 66 coastal barrier tidal inlets.
For example, in 2016, Hurricanes Hermine and Mathew impacted Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic beaches resulting in additional areas being designated as critically eroded, according to the July 2021 report published by the Florida Department of Environment Protection.
Whether many of the designed critically eroded beaches have been restored, these areas are therefore designated as non-critically eroded beaches and require close monitoring in case the condition becomes critical.
Coastal erosion effects
The same report also shows that certain areas have become critically eroded after hurricane impact or landfall, which was previously categorized as non-critical. The dissipation of carbon dioxide in the environment leads to warmer temperatures, which later creates or facilitates the birth of hurricanes and tornadoes, said Jean-Jeremy, who also underlines the strong relationship between climate change and coastal erosion.
For Jean-Jeremie, the coastal erosion effects in the Tampa Bay environment are among the numerous environmental issues caused by the earth’s higher warmed temperature.
Coastal erosion is when rising sea levels heighten a lot more water, come into our coast, wearing down trees and take away sand or soil when leaving, Jean-Jeremie explained.
She also claims, “Creating a drive-less environment and encouraging people to use vehicles or equipment that produces less carbon dioxide are significant actions that can help reduce environmental issues.”
While expressing her worry about the coastal erosion risks that challenge the coastal communities of Tampa Bay, She claims, “There is a lot of structure of life that needs to be changed.”
“Building a wall or planting more trees along the shore to prevent erosion going further inland are good options,” Jean-Jeremie said.
However, she also explains that these measures could reveal fruitlessness regarding the global climate issue that comes upon us.
“I am afraid those common measures are not enough,” Jean-Jeremie concluded.
DC of Tampa 