Story by Michael Ehrenberg / CBS 12 NEWS

We're all aware of the controversy surrounding Global Warming. Some believe in it.. others don't.

Regardless, many communities are taking action now to combat the very real possibility that their beaches may eventually disappear.

Weather records show that since 1970, average temperatures have risen anywhere from 1 to 3 degrees.

The result, melting sea ice in the Arctic, expanding ocean water and smaller beaches.

This has impacted over 1 million people. The most dire predictions show a sea level rise of over 6 feet by 2100.

One town in particular, Palm Beach, has renourished their beaches several times.

Palm Beach has always had issues with sand disappearing, mainly from storms, the Palm Beach Inlet and construction of jetties. Global Warming Sea level rise only adds to the problem. The town is ready to change the way they currently beef up their beaches.

It may come to a point in the future where the design of the beach needs to be greater than what it is today. They would build it up in a higher elevation and build it out further as well which requires more sand.

Repeatedly dumping sand. Sure it's expensive but necessary. There is no long term permanent solution right now.

Originally posted here:

Are Florida beaches shrinking? And is Global Warming to blame?