Climate Change Dialogue Initiated between Florida Keys and Small Island Nations

March 16, 2000—BCC News reports that, in an unprecedented move, the Florida Keys’ county commissioners have voted to begin a dialogue with the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) to reduce the threat of global warming to their communities, by-passing federal government efforts to combat climate change.

In response to growing concern about the impact of global warming in coastal areas, the Commissioners agreed to a resolution that recognizes the potential impact of climate change and encourages collaboration with the AOSIS to reduce the threat of global warming.

Officials in coastal areas around the world are concerned that an increase in global temperatures would cause ocean levels to rise, damage to coral reefs and wildlife habitat and significant beach erosion, all of which could have a damaging effect on coastal tourism-based economies.