New AdaptLA Resources on Sea Level Rise
Working on sea level rise and coastal hazards issues in the region is at the core of USC Sea Grant’s AdaptLA mission. As our coastal communities continue to assess vulnerability to changing coastal conditions and develop adaptation strategies, it is critical to use the best available science. Below are a variety of recently published reports and news items that are now available to assist in working on such issues.
New Sea Level Rise Reports
Recently, NOAA released its 2022 Sea Level Rise Technical Report, which provides updated projections through 2150 for all U.S. coastal waters. While sea level rise (SLR) along the U.S. coast will vary regionally, the report findings project on average, 10-12 inches of SLR in the next 30 years (2020-2050), with. “moderate” flooding expected to occur, on average, more than 10 times as often as it does today. In the Southern California region, flooding events can be compounded with El Niño associated storms and high tides. The NOAA technical report, combined with efforts like the USGS Coastal Storm Modeling System available on Our Coast Our Future, OPC Sea-Level Rise Guidance, and a recent NOAA/Sea Grant partnership to conduct a Los Angeles County Vulnerability Assessment, are all tools to help plan for SLR and create more resilient coastal communities.
Importantly, California’s Ocean Protection Council released its State Agency Sea Level Rise Action Plan this week. The Action Plan is a collaborative statewide effort that aims to protect and conserve California’s unique biodiversity, public health and safety, infrastructure, access, and coastal economy. USC Sea Grant will continue to work with California agencies to help build coastal community capacity to develop sea level rise adaptation plans that prioritize environmental justice.
USC Grant is committed to helping our coastal communities plan for and develop adaptation strategies for sea level rise. AdaptLA provides a network and resource to develop partnerships and collaborations, share potential funding sources for planning and adaptation efforts, and connect science to application.
In The News
USC Sea Grant was recently featured in a new documentary about sea level rise and coastal erosion of California’s beaches. The video, led by Dr. Michael Moodian, features distinguished guests such as California State Senator David Min, U.S. Congressman Mike Levin, Surfrider Foundation’s CEO Dr. Chad Nelsen, and USC Sea Grant’s Melodie Grubbs, among others. The documentary debuted on KDOC-TV in Los Angeles and a recording of the video can be watched here.
