Question

on a peninsula like florida, it seems ironic that a lack of water could become an issue, but 45 an environmental protection agency report published in 2016 pointed to a lack of irrigation due to warmer temperatures as a potential downside of a longer growing season. florida relies on groundwater pumped from permeable underground 50 aquifers, and florida farms consume nearly half of the states public water supply. citrus fruits require substantial amounts of irrigation to maintain crop size: a 2003 agriculture study found that a 20% reduction in irrigation resulted in significant losses 55 for citrus crops. the citrus fruit industry in florida is a $10 billion industry, so any negative trends have a direct impact on floridas overall economic health.
climate change has an impact on the pro- 60 duce side of floridas agriculture as well as the livestock side, although it makes up a smaller portion of floridas $120 billion agricultural revenue than citrus industry, the livestock, and dairy exports cattle, calves, milk, poultry, and 65 eggs both nationally and internationally. one problem that arises with livestock is a result of warmer temperatures is a reduction in productivity because of heat-stress. the livestock industry also relies on the extensive perennial grasslands of the region, which 70 have degraded in quality because of the greater frequency of severe weather events. additionally, the combination of greater temperature and rainfall increases 75 have led to greater instances of increases in humidity, like the west nile virus; the increase in populations directly to larger mosquito populations.
with so many challenges facing their state, 80 floridians are taking a proactive approach to combating some of the consequences of climate change. in miami, lawmakers are considering, for example, rather unconventional recommendations, presented 85 to a group of harvard students. one example miami beach leaders are considering is to help adapt to rising seas: concrete citrus 90 strategically placed on rooftops throughout the city to capture rainwater, and \sacrificial floors\ designed to absorb excess water before it reaches the inhabited floors. researchers are encouraging the south florida water management district to change their timetable for increasing freshwater flow to 95 higher than sea level. farmers are investing in micro-surface and subsurface drip irrigation systems to reduce the overall volume of water needed to maintain crop livestock farms, as studies have shown this farming style to be mutually beneficial to both crops and livestock.
while a complete reversal of the consequences 100 of climate change seems improbable, floridians can be encouraged by the fact that leaders in their state are taking some pragmatic steps to cope with the changes. furthermore, as those policymakers look to protect the sectors that have long served 105 as the foundation of floridas economy, there is also a push to continue to diversify. international trade-florida is already one of the largest export states-seems an ideal sector to expand with the increasingly globalized nature of economic systems. 110 despite the challenges, florida is preparing to weather the storm of climate change as it has weathered so many storms before.

1. the primary purpose of the passage is to:

a. describe how climate change has harmed floridas land and industries.
b. discuss the threats climate change poses to florida and how to address them.
c. argue for the implementation of unorthodox means of combating climate change.
d. explain the varied ways in which climate change can impact peoples lives.

Explanation:

The passage first describes how climate change (like warmer temperatures affecting irrigation for citrus crops in Florida) is a threat (e.g., impacts on agriculture, livestock industry). Then it goes on to discuss steps being taken (South Florida Water Management District's actions, Miami Beach leaders' plans) to address these climate - change - related issues.

Answer:

B. discuss the threats climate change poses to Florida and how to address them.