California's picturesque coastline is under increasing threat from rising sea levels, a new study warns. With 70 percent of the state's residents living near the coast and millions of visitors each year, the impacts of this environmental challenge are set to worsen over the next three decades.
The California Ocean Protection Council released an updated report last week, highlighting that sea levels are expected to rise by an average of 0.24 meters by 2050 compared to the year 2000. Shockingly, projections indicate a potential rise of up to 1.86 meters by 2150.
This update builds on the 2018 version, incorporating significant advancements in scientific understanding and predictive capabilities over the past six years. Researchers identified two primary drivers of the rising sea levels: ocean warming due to increasing greenhouse gas emissions and the melting of land ice.
The repercussions of sea level rise are already being felt in coastal communities, manifesting as more frequent and severe flooding and erosion. These impacts are projected to escalate, posing serious threats to homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
Particularly vulnerable is the San Francisco Bay Area, which accounts for two-thirds of the future flood risk affecting California's population and property values statewide. Additionally, low-lying regions across the state, including coastal and estuarine communities, airports, port facilities, transportation corridors, and public utilities, are at significant risk.
As sea levels continue to climb, the urgency for comprehensive coastal management and climate resilience strategies becomes ever more critical to safeguard California's beloved coastline and its inhabitants.
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U.S. California's coastline faces grim future as sea levels rise
cgtn.com
