Mobilities Journal

Collapse of Building in Surfside Florida

Key Words: Mobility, Climate Change

The photo depicts the rubble left from the collapse of a building in Surfside, Florida.The building was constructed on top of reclaimed wetlands as part of a barrier island. The surrounding ocean levels are rising dramatically due to climate change. Humans are causing the melting of ice sheets, which increase sea level. The building, like many others, has limestone underneath its base. The limestone in Surfside was brought in from the bay when the mangroves were destroyed. This limestone allows for seawater to bubble up, making the foundation unstable. 

The collapse led many people to lose their lives and left over 150 others unaccounted for.  Many more buildings in this area and areas similar to it are also in danger of collapsing. The mobility of people who live in these areas are affected as a result. Some individuals unfortunately met the final end to their mobility. Others will be forced to move more inland, away from the water. This may also be a struggle economically. People will spend money transporting all of their belongings inland, and need to buy a new house on top of this cost. 

Kate Kowalski

Contents of this tag:

  1. Climate Change

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