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Science & Policies
Sea Level Rise 101
Are you interested in Sea Level Rise? Here are some resources:
Link to NOAA Sea Level Rise Portal
This site provides science-based tools that allow people to make informed decisions given the sea level changes we are seeing now and predict in the future. Explore tools, services, and educational material available from NOAA and other federal agencies.
Source for information on:
- Global Sea Level Rise
- Local Sea Level Change
- How Measurements are Taken
- Impacts
- Future Sea Level
- What Can We Do?
Sea Level Rise in California
Interested in information on California Policy, Sea Level Rise Scenarios, and Impacts?
Link to California Sea Level Rise Guidance (Science and Policy, 2024)
A background range of five scenarios for sea level rise. Rise in sea level is dependent on the level of future emissions and measured in meters. California recommends focusing on the intermediate through high scenarios. These scenarios consider high emissions, higher warming, and rapid ice sheet loss. Scenarios for the North Spit of Humboldt Bay also include rise in sea levels due to local rates of vertical land motion.
Table of Contents:
- Executive Summary
- Why Are We Updating the Guidance
- Statewide Averages for Five California Sea Level Scenarios
- Key Takeaways
- 1 . Introduction
- 1.1. Existing State Policy Guidance and Sea Level Rise Planning
- 1.2. Purpose & Intended Use
- 1.3. How This Report was Developed
- 1.4. Updating the Science Foundation for Statewide Policy Guidance
- 1.5. Translating Science Into Policy Guidance
- 2 . California Sea Level Scenarios
- 2.1. Updated Scientific Understanding
- 2.2. Steps to Build California Sea Level Scenarios
- 2.3. Sea Level Scenarios 2020-2150
- 2.4. Sea Level Scenario Storylines
- 3 . Combined Impact of Sea Level Rise and Other Coastal Hazards
- 3.1. Flooding and Sea Level Rise
- 3.2. Groundwater and Sea Level Rise
- 3.3. Coastal and Shoreline Erosion
- 3.4. Preparing for Extreme Coastal Storms
- 4 . California Sea Level Rise Policy Guidance
- 4.1. Summary
- 4.2. Stepwise Process to Apply Sea Level Scenarios in Planning and Projects
- 4.3. General recommendations for Sea level Rise Planning and Adaptation
California Coastal Commission Policy Guidance
Interested in more information on policy guidance?
Link to Sea Level Rise Adopted Policy Guidance
This document provides interpretive guidelines for addressing sea level rise in local coastal program and coastal development permits incorporating best science principles, environmental justice, and more.
Available Sections:
- Introduction
- Principles for Addressing Sea Level Rise in the Coastal Zone
- Sea Level Rise Science
- Consequences of Sea Level Rise for Communities, Coastal Resources, and Development
- Addressing Sea Level Rise in Local Coastal Programs
- Addressing Sea Level Rise in Coastal Development Permits
- Adaptation Strategies
- Legal Context of Adaptation Planning
- Additional CCC Efforts to Address SLR
Mendocino Coast Sea Level Rise FAQ
Are you interested in how sea level rise is being researched and managed along the Mendocino Coast?
https://noyooceancollective.org/slr-resilience/
This document provides guidance on the drivers of sea level rise, future projections and models, and local adaptation strategies.
Available sections:
- Why are sea levels rising
- How and where do we measure our local sea levels?
- What are the future sea level rise projections for Arena Cove?
- How does sea level rise relate to coastal flooding?
- What is the Sea Level Rise, Tsunami Hazards, and Erosion Resilience Strategy for Noyo Harbor?
- Does California have sea level rise planning guidance?
