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This week, Focus Earth takes a close look at one of the most unique ecosystems in the United States: the Everglades. Fire, drought, rising ocean levels, invasion species, human encroachment, pollution, and more are all combining to threaten this UNESCO World Heritage site. Focus Earth brings you an in-depth analysis of the problems and explores the solutions being implemented by conservationists.
First, could the Everglades soon be a thing of the past? The ecosystem is home to dozens of endangered species and is called the "Amazon of North America," but the area is under intense stress from climate change, pollution, and fire, and that's not all. Urban and agricultural runoff has altered the delicate chemistry of the Everglades and water has been diverted for urban development. All of these things have led to a 50% loss of this unique ecosystem. Focus Earth follows a group of conservationists to see what is being done to slow this loss.
Then, Focus Earth looks at another threat; one that places not only the Everglades, but all of southern Florida, in danger. Rising sea levels are expected to flood coastal areas, completely submerging the southern tip of Florida, by 2100. And flooding, it turns out, is only one of the threats of climate change. Scientists believe that hurricanes will also increase in severity, and frequency, over the next decades, making the trauma of Katrina a regular occurrence. Find out how climate change is effecting the animals that live and nest on southern Florida's beaches when Focus Earth follows a group of wildlife biologists conducting research in the area.
For the native species of the Everglades, climate change poses a serious challenge to survival. Some species, however, are thriving. One is the Burmese Python, an invasion species first introduced to the area in the 1990s by pet owners. The population of these snakes, which have been known to attack and kill alligators, is growing. Conservations are struggling to reign in the snakes but capturing them is a slippery proposition. Focus Earth finds out first hand when they join a "Python Patrol."
Finally, Bob Woodruff highlights the importance of preserving all wetlands across the country. Though the Everglades represent the largest wetlands in the United States, the problems faced there are not unique. Find out why we must act now before it's too late.
Watch these videos from this episode of Focus Earth:
Everglades Species Fading Away
Restoring The Everglades
Alligators On The Move
Check out the Planet Green Schedule to see these stories and more on Focus Earth.
Don't miss Focus on Focus Earth: Everglades Nevermore and Focus on Focus Earth: Snake Invaders.
Read more about climate change:
Meet Philip Radford, Executive Director of Greenpeace
Green Glossary: Black Carbon
How is Climate Change Affecting the Bering Sea? Find Out Live
Focus on Focus Earth: DC Climate Talks
Use Your Brain to Fight Climate Change—Even Though Your Brain Doesn't Want You To
