Natural Solutions Highlighted for Florida's Hurricane Recovery

As Florida rebuilds after hurricanes Helene and Milton caused over $4.6 billion in insured damage, a study funded by the Live Wildly Foundation proposes environmental conservation as a viable strategy. The focus is on Florida's 18-million-acre Wildlife Corridor, envisioned as a buffer against natural disasters.

Conducted by scientists from Florida Atlantic University and partners, the study underscores the Corridor's role in flood protection, absorbing water across 10 million acres of floodplains. Furthermore, its forests and grasslands can alleviate climate-induced heatwaves and droughts.

Protecting the Wildlife Corridor could mitigate wildfire risks through controlled burns and land management. Coastal mangroves in the Corridor offer storm surge and erosion protection, with mangroves providing $7,500 in risk reduction per hectare. As Florida's population surges, preserving remaining opportunity areas in the Corridor will boost both ecological and economic benefits exponentially.