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South Florida, renowned for its sunny skies and beautiful beaches, is increasingly feeling the effects of climate change. Rising tides, extreme heat, and increasingly intense storms are not only environmental issues but economic ones, too.
The recent impacts of hurricanes Helene and Milton have highlighted the growing vulnerability of our region’s economy to these changing weather patterns.
Recent storms: Helene and Milton’s devastating impact
Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which both recently truck Florida, have left a profound and heartbreaking mark on our communities. Beyond the billions of dollars in damage and the significant disruption to local economies, these storms took lives, shattered families, and displaced countless residents. The loss of life is an immeasurable tragedy that overshadows the financial costs.
The combined toll of property damage, infrastructure destruction, and lost business activity from both storms is estimated to exceed $10 billion across the state, but for those grieving loved ones and rebuilding their homes and lives, the path to recovery will take far longer. Our hearts go out to all who have been affected.
In Miami-Dade County alone, Hurricane Milton’s record-breaking storm surge caused widespread flooding in coastal areas, displacing residents and closing businesses for weeks.
In some neighborhoods, sunny-day flooding — already a growing concern — was exacerbated by Milton’s surges, damaging critical infrastructure like roads, sewage systems, and electrical grids.
While the tourism sector has begun to recover, these events have exposed how vulnerable key parts of our economy are to these extreme weather events.
Hurricane Helene, though less powerful than Milton, also made landfall with destructive force. It led to temporary shutdowns of major airports and cruise terminals, impacting travel and tourism — a sector that contributes over $100 billion annually to the state’s economy. The ripple effects were felt in hotels, restaurants, and small businesses that depend on tourists for survival. The hurricane also led to a significant dip in real estate transactions, with homebuyers delaying purchases in the aftermath of the storm.
Tourism under threat
Tourism, which brings in millions of visitors each year, remains one of South Florida’s biggest economic drivers. However, the threat of hurricanes like Helene and Milton is making tourists think twice. The unpredictability of these storms, paired with images of flooded streets and damaged hotels, discourages future travel plans. Each time a major storm hits, tourist destinations face the dual costs of property damage and a slow season as travelers look elsewhere for safer options.
Rising sea levels add to this challenge. As our iconic beaches slowly erode and face increasing storm surges, tourism dollars are at risk. Local governments have been investing heavily in beach renourishment projects, but with storms like Milton and Helene undoing months of restoration work, the economic toll mounts. Protecting these key tourism assets has become more costly, and if erosion worsens, tourists may be deterred by smaller beaches and damaged infrastructure.
Infrastructure and the cost of resilience
One of the biggest challenges posed by storms like Helene and Milton is the damage to South Florida’s infrastructure. Milton, in particular, overwhelmed existing drainage systems, leaving roads submerged for days. Airports, seaports, and key highways were shut down, leading to major delays in shipping, travel, and daily commutes. As a result, businesses suffered from the reduced movement of goods, workers, and customers.
The cost to repair this damage is immense. Cities like Miami already are investing heavily in flood mitigation projects — raising roads, installing new drainage systems, and fortifying seawalls. However, storms like Milton often reverse progress, and the costs of building storm-resilient infrastructure are continuously rising. These challenges represent a significant financial burden for local governments, which must balance short-term storm recovery with long-term resilience efforts.
Adapting for a sustainable future
The impacts of hurricanes Helene and Milton, along with the broader effects of climate change, make it clear that South Florida needs to prepare for a new economic reality. While government action is crucial in building long-term resilience, individuals also have a role to play in reducing the impact of climate change on our region.
Actionable steps for individuals
Reduce Energy Use: Small changes can have a big impact. Switch to energy-efficient appliances, install LED light bulbs, use solar panels where possible and reduce air conditioning use to help lower carbon emissions.
Support local conservation efforts: Participate in community clean-ups, plant native trees, or donate to local environmental organizations working to protect vulnerable areas from the impacts of climate change.
Water conservation: Be mindful of water usage, especially following storms. Install rain barrels, fix leaks, and use drought-resistant plants in your landscaping.
Drive less: Reduce car emissions by walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation. Every small action helps reduce overall pollution levels.
Ideas from Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami encourages several practices that can help conserve our natural environment and build resilience to climate change:
Native Planting: Planting native plants reduces water consumption and provides better habitats for local wildlife. These plants are better suited to withstanding local weather extremes.
Conservation support: By supporting wildlife conservation programs, individuals can help protect vulnerable species impacted by storms and habitat loss due to climate change.
Climate education: Stay informed and engage with local initiatives to learn how you can make a difference. Advocacy for climate policies that protect natural habitats and ecosystems is vital for long-term sustainability.
Conclusion
South Florida’s weather, shaped by the forces of climate change and storms like Helene and Milton, is both a blessing and a growing challenge. As rising tides, extreme heat, and increasingly intense storms reshape our economy, the region must adapt quickly. Through a combination of large-scale investments in resilient infrastructure and the efforts of individuals making sustainable choices, South Florida can build a more secure economic future that can weather the storms ahead.
Jose C. Romano is president and CEO, Zoo Miami Foundation.
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