Slivers of land amids t the nat ion’s premi ere ma rine ecosyst em, the Florida Ke ys provide unique ins ight s int o the eme rging challenges associated with adaptation to climat e change. Acce le rating sea- leve l ri se, extreme hydrome teorologi cal event s b(wi th the potent ial for change s in frequency, int ensi ty and durat ion) , changes in ocean chemistry and circulat ion, new di seas e vectors and other adverse climate change related impacts - threaten to exceed the resilience of numerous socio-ecological systems in the Florida Keys, including the world’s third largest barrier reef - with potentially severe economic repercussions - while undermining traditional decision-making strategies and management regimes.