Gulf Coast's Ecological Heritage at RiskThe Gulf Statesspacer
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Confront the Challenge
• Climate in the Gulf
• The Report
• For Teachers

Discover the Solutions
• Overview
• Slow the Change
• Speed our Response

Explore the Impacts
• Overview
• Water Resources
• Sea-Level Change
• Human Perspectives

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Florida
Florida Panther
Introduction
Climate Projections
Freshwater Resources
Agriculture
Forestry
Coastal Development
Tourism & Recreation
Human Health
Fisheries
Unique Habitats
FL Resources & Links
Agriculture
Florida's agricultural industry is among the most important in the nation. It ranks first in citrus production, second in the production of vegetables and horticultural products, and fourth in all crops. Florida's citrus sales, which were over $1.6 billion in 1998, account for about 60 percent of total US citrus production. Global warming could bring substantial changes and challenges to Florida's farmers. For example:

  • In areas where climate becomes drier in the future, the production of cotton, commercial fruits and vegetables, and sugarcane may decline without increased irrigation.

  • The fertilization effect from increased levels of carbon dioxide in the air will increase plant productivity only if the amount of water used for irrigation also increases sufficiently.

  • OrangesCitrus production may decrease moderately with global warming over the next century.

  • The industry might also have to deal with increased pest incidence and, more importantly, increased incidence of droughts.


Survey another state:
Alabama | Florida | Louisiana | Mississippi | Texas


Photo Credits:
Panther - South Florida Water Management District.
Oranges - USDA Photo.
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Survey the Gulf States
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Tour Special Places
• Overview
• Apalachicola Bay
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