The Full Story
Coastal Erosion
Over the past century, San Diego's sea level has risen by nine inches. Now, as a result of warming temperatures, experts estimate that it could rise seven feet by the year 2100.
If we let this happen, we could lose our beaches, coastal communities, and historic heritage sites, and even the lives of people we personally know.
Areas can face potentially permanent harm, forever impacting how future generations live.
Losing Our Coastlines
As sea levels continue to rise, waves grow larger and larger. Our coastlines will eventually be subsumed and eroded by the ocean. Coastal communities may become unsafe to live in. Recreational areas like Ocean Beach, La Jolla Shores, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Sunset Cliffs are all at risk of losing large amounts of shoreline as a result of rising sea levels.
Left - Sea Level Rise By 2100, High Scenario, Projected By NOAA
Dangers To Coastal Communities
As shorelines erode, coastal communities grow progressively more dangerous to live in. Strong waves will carry away the sand, rocks, and sediment underneath houses. People will be forced to move and leave behind their homes as sea levels continue to rise. We could even lose beaches that are important to San Diego's community structure.
Risks to Inland Communities
Rising sea levels, excess trash, and many other factors all culminate into making the beach a less pleasurable experience. With ocean ecosystems directly being at risk, people who sell or consume fish, for example, as part of their daily lives will be impacted as well.
Left - Sea Level Rise By 2100, High Scenario, Projected By NOAA
What Can We Do?
Although the situation may seem hopeless, there are solutions that we can take! By working with city authorities, we can help to protect our shorelines.
Living Ecosystems
Green Shorelines Stop Erosion
Shorelines with strong, biodiverse ecosystems are more resilient and stable. Aquatic plants can break waves, while coastal plants and dunes can prevent sand and sediment from washing out to sea. By keeping our shorelines free of development projects, and free of pollution, we can protect our coastal communities.
Maintenance
Keeping Our Beaches Inhabited
Take care of our beaches and parks! When people litter, graffiti, or disrespect our beaches and coastal structures, people are less likely to spend time there. By keeping our beaches and coastal areas clean, we encourage city officials to maintain them, thus slowing the rate at which they erode.
Inform Your Community
Keep yourself informed! Attend City Council meetings, take the time to learn about flooding, erosion, and environmental damage. Go to our wetlands and our coastal parks, and talk about these issues with members of your community.