By 2050, sea levels along the United States coast are expected to rise by 10-12 inches, increasing flooding in low-lying areas. Due to its unique geography and infrastructure network, the Florida Keys is particularly at risk of climate hazards such as sea-level rise, hurricanes and flooding.

Nature-based solutions, such as restoring mangroves and coastal strands, can help mitigate these risks by stabilizing shorelines, improving ecosystems and enhancing resilience to flooding and hurricanes. These solutions, alongside hybrid approaches and soft armoring, which uses natural materials like plants, sand dunes or rocks to protect shorelines from erosion, offer effective, site-specific protection.