Coastal issues

Abstract

The California coast is constantly changing due to human development and physical forces. With the increase in climate impacts-including sea-level rise, ocean warming, ocean acidification, and increased storm events-effects of these physical forces will be more significant and will present substantial risks to coastal areas in the future. Natural ecosystems, coastal development, economic interests, and even cultural attachment to the coast will be at risk. Given the high concentration of coastal development, population, infrastructure, and economic activity in coastal counties, continued and growing pressure to protect these assets and activities from rising sea levels is expected.