The Light Pirate

Brooks-Dalton’s near-future dystopian novel is based upon real-world issues that have already begun to impact the story’s setting of Florida. The increase in greenhouse gases causes warmer oceans, higher sea levels, and heavier rainstorms. The Environmental Protection Agency anticipates that these problems will only worsen with the passage of time: “In the coming decades, rising temperatures are likely to increase storm damages, harm coral reefs, [and] increase the frequency of unpleasantly hot days” (“What Climate Change Means for Florida.” United States Environmental Protection Agency, Aug. 2016). Florida’s extensive coastlines and low elevation place it at higher risk than most other states. Over the next century, rising sea levels could erode beaches, flood wetlands, and affect cities along Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.

For decades, scientists have observed that warmer ocean temperatures intensify hurricanes’ wind speeds and rainfall rates. A growing body of evidence suggests that climate change is contributing to more severe tropical storms and an earlier start to hurricane season. Two major storms, Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, struck Florida in 2022 alone: “According to NOAA, both storms caused significant financial and physical damage, totaling more than $112 billion and an estimated 157 deaths” (Galoustian, Gisele. “Climate Change Concern in Florida Linked with Recent Extreme Weather.” Florida Atlantic University, 10 May 2023). Disasters such as these lead to more expensive insurance premiums for Florida properties, an estimated third of which are at risk for flooding, and some insurance companies have chosen to leave the state. A 2023 report observed, “The crisis in Florida’s insurance industry has escalated with the shutdown of seven companies since February last year, leaving countless individuals vulnerable to the devastating impacts of flooding” (Bojorquez, Manuel and Analisa Novak. “More than One-third of Florida Properties Face Looming Flood Risk, But Some Residents Are Unaware.” CBS, 1 June 2023). Floridians with lower incomes are more vulnerable to climate-change-fueled severe-weather events because they are more likely to live in flood zones, struggle to afford insurance, or be without coverage altogether.

People of lower socioeconomic status are also more likely to experience adverse health effects from warming temperatures. As with many issues related to climate change, scientists expect to see a marked increase in dangerously hot days in the coming decades: “Seventy years from now, temperatures in most of the state are likely to rise above 95°F between 45 and 90 days per year, compared with less than 15 days per year today” (“What Climate Change Means for Florida.” United States Environmental Protection Agency, Aug. 2016). Rising temperatures can cause dangerous health issues, including heat stroke and cardiovascular problems.

The effects of climate change have grim implications not only for Florida’s human inhabitants but for the state’s delicate ecosystems as well. Coral reefs are particularly susceptible to increasing water temperatures and ocean acidity. Coral bleaching would harm the diverse species that depend upon the organisms, resulting in a ripple effect that could damage Florida’s marine ecosystems as well as industries like fishing and tourism. The Everglades are also vulnerable to climate change’s effects. Rising sea levels could flood some portions, and changes in salinity could alter the ecosystem by allowing salt-tolerant species like mangroves to thrive while threatening other plants and animals. Climate change has already begun to affect the people, plants, and animals living in Florida, and problems like hurricanes, flooding, and severe heat are predicted to intensify over time.