San Mateo County Co-Hosting On-the-Shoreline Illustration Of Sea-Level Rise

REDWOOD CITY, CA — This weekend the County of San Mateo Office of Sustainability and the city of Half Moon Bay will host an informational event about sea-level rise at Poplar Beach, as part of a statewide campaign called “Shrinking Shores.” It’s one of many events around the state that will be held in anticipation of World Oceans Day on June 8), a global day of ocean celebration and collaboration for a better future.

On Saturday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Poplar Beach visitors will see a dramatic illustration about predicted ocean levels through the end of the century. Temporary signs will be placed into the sand and on the bluffs to depict scenarios of future sea level rise and bluff erosion. The city and County will staff a booth near the Poplar Beach parking lot where visitors can get information, ask questions and learn about the science behind the predicted changes. Poplar Beach is located at the end of Poplar Street, past Railroad Avenue in Half Moon Bay.

The County of San Mateo, Half Moon Bay and other agencies on the California coast from San Diego to Humboldt County are working to create awareness of this critical issue. The goal is to educate and inform people, and build a greater understanding of predicted sea level rise and its impacts on our coastline and communities.

On a statewide basis, sea-level rise is already threatening billions of dollars’ worth of homes, businesses, roads, and infrastructure. Local governments are working to inform their communities by assessing what is vulnerable to rising tides and creating opportunities for residents to learn and get involved in addressing these expected environmental changes. The newest California State Sea Level Rise Science Report estimates sea level increases by up to eight feet by the year 2100, and the city is prepared to collaborate with federal, state and local agencies to educate and address the causes and effects of climate change.

“The Shrinking Shores event is a great opportunity to learn more about sea level rise and visualize how it could affect our beaches and bluffs,” said San Mateo County Supervisor Don Horsley whose Third District includes much of the county’s coastline. “Sea-level rise is not just an issue for the future. We are already experiencing impacts from erosion and storms along our coast, underscoring the need to study and plan ahead for sea level rise now. The County is pleased to join others throughout the state of California in raising awareness about this critical issue on World Oceans Day.”

The County and its Sea Change SMC initiative has produced a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment, which identifies the countywide impacts of sea level rise. This report can be found at the Sea Change SMC Initiative website.] The Initiative brings together and provide resources to local governments and agencies within the County around the issue of sea level rise.

— SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION BY: County of San Mateo / Image via Shutterstock