New College Adjunct Professor Jennifer Shafer led a team of students in a spatial analysis of the potential impacts of sea level rise on Sarasota County. Using GIS to analyze new Lidar elevation data, the students evaluated the vulnerability of Sarasota’s natural, cultural and economic resources to a 2-, 4- and 6-foot rise in sea level, which could occur over the next century. A 6-foot rise in sea level would impact almost 12,000 coastal residences currently valued at $5.5 billion. Many of Sarasota’s cultural landmarks such as St. Armands Circle, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and Selby Gardens are also vulnerable to inundation. Pelican Press Article