Sea-level rise causes extinction of Key Largo tree cactus

Rising sea levels have driven the Key Largo tree cactus to extinction in the U.S., highlighting the immediate impact of climate change on coastal species.

Dino Grandoni reports for The Washington Post.

In short:

• The Key Largo tree cactus, native to Florida Keys, has gone extinct in the U.S. due to rising sea levels and soil salinity.
• Hurricanes, particularly Hurricane Irma, and saltwater intrusion from higher tides accelerated the cactus's decline.
• Efforts to conserve the species continue, with seeds and plant fragments cultivated in nurseries and seed banks.

Key quote:

“It’s a big deal when we lose species from an entire country.”

— George Gann, executive director, Institute for Regional Conservation

Why this matters:

This extinction exemplifies how climate change is already causing species loss, particularly in coastal areas. The fate of the Key Largo tree cactus foreshadows similar risks for other vulnerable coastal species.