Environmentalists propose redirecting freshwater to the Everglades using engineered wetlands, but sugar growers oppose, prioritizing their needs.
Amy Green reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Florida diverts billions of gallons of freshwater to the coast, impacting Everglades restoration.
- Toxic algae blooms result from freshwater discharge, harming wildlife and public health.
- Environmentalists want water redirected south through stormwater treatment areas, currently used mainly by sugar growers.
Key quote:
“What we are doing, it’s just so irresponsible. It’s like throwing money out the car window.”
— Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, former mayor of Sewall’s Point
Why this matters:
Environmentalists argue that this move is crucial for the survival of the Everglades, a vast wetland that has been severely impacted by decades of water mismanagement and agricultural runoff. The freshwater influx would help rejuvenate the ecosystem, promoting biodiversity, improving water quality, and protecting the habitat for countless species, including the endangered Florida panther and American crocodile.
