How has human development affected the Everglades?
1 Answer
It has the potential to destroy it. The intent is to control the water flows in and out of the area. But, that is a human desire, and not the natural state of the local environment.
Explanation:
As usual, humans attempt to adapt their environment for their own comfort - usually without regard for previous balances. It is natural to be anthropocentric when you ARE human, but maybe we should consider the "environmental" perspective, particularly in the wake of recent hurricanes.
We often rail against the storm, and demand "solutions" from our politicians. But really, SHOULD we even BE there??? And if we think we should, don't we realize that a) we will change significant parts of it, and b) the forces of nature will still exist regardless of our structures.
There are several very good historical studies of the Everglades.
https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/historyculture/index.htm
http://myfwc.com/viewing/recreation/wmas/lead/everglades/history/
http://dep.state.fl.us/evergladesforever/about/default.htm
http://www.southfloridaevergladestours.com/facts-about-florida-everglades.htm
