By Shazad Baig, Audubon Florida’s Write for Climate program
South Florida’s coastline is experiencing a serious environmental crisis. Coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion endanger not only our beaches, but also homes, neighborhoods and ecosystems that depend on stable coastlines.
With rising sea levels and increasing frequency of extreme weather events, the risk of losing vital land and freshwater resources increases with each passing year.
When coastlines erode, it’s not just sand that disappears. Wildlife natural habitats for sea turtles and beach birds are lost and destroyed. Saltwater intrusion makes its way into freshwater systems, affecting drinking water and cropland. Even people who live inland are impacted — flooding increases, infrastructure crumbles and the recovery cost grows.
This is not some distant threat. It’s happening here today. Yet though the threat is genuine, so too is the chance to safeguard and revive what we still possess and love as Floridians.
The Audubon Society of South Florida is offering everyone a chance to become involved through direct action. Through its coastal restoration efforts of dune stabilization and planting sea oats, volunteers are reconstructing natural barriers that shelter our shores. The projects secure the beaches, increase biodiversity, create a habitat for pollinators and protect our water systems.
Whether you’re a student, tourist, a family or a long-term resident, your time and effort can leave a lasting impression. No experience is needed — just the willingness to get involved and look after the place we all call home.
You can be part of the solution: Sign up to volunteer or learn more about how you can help at www.browardaudubon.org. Together, we can protect South Florida’s coast for future generations.
Shazad Baig is a student at Broward College who plans to graduate in spring 2026 with a major in environmental sciences with a focus on biosecurity. This piece was written for Audubon Florida’s Write for Climate program. Banner photo: A South Florida beach (iStock image).
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