The State of California Sea-Level Rise Guidance 2018 Update is the second update to guidance originally released in 2010. It is based on the scientific findings of the OPC Science Advisory Team’s 2017 report, “Rising Seas in California: An Update on Sea-Level Rise,” which noted among other findings that California may be particularly vulnerable to sea level rise stemming from ice loss in Antarctica. The guidance “provides a bold, science-based methodology for state and local governments to analyze and assess the risks associated with sea-level rise, and to incorporate sea level rise into their planning, permitting, and investment decisions,” says OPC’s Jenn Eckerle. “It provides a step-by-step approach for state agencies and local governments to evaluate sea level rise projections and related hazard information in decision-making, and identify preferred coastal adaptation approaches to build resiliency.” The document will help cities and counties comply with a new law that requires them to incorporate climate change into their planning efforts, and assist state agencies carry out a recent Executive Order to prepare for and adapt to climate change.

Photo: Dave Revell

Updated guidance synthesizing the best available science on sea-level rise projections and rates for California—including advances in modeling and improved understanding of the potential impact of ice loss from the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets—is now available from the California Ocean Protection Commission.

The State of California Sea-Level Rise Guidance 2018 Update is the second update to guidance originally released in 2010. It is based on the scientific findings of the OPC Science Advisory Team’s 2017 report, “Rising Seas in California: An Update on Sea-Level Rise,” which noted among other findings that California may be particularly vulnerable to sea level rise stemming from ice loss in Antarctica. The guidance “provides a bold, science-based methodology for state and local governments to analyze and assess the risks associated with sea-level rise, and to incorporate sea level rise into their planning, permitting, and investment decisions,” says OPC’s Jenn Eckerle. “It provides a step-by-step approach for state agencies and local governments to evaluate sea level rise projections and related hazard information in decision-making, and identify preferred coastal adaptation approaches to build resiliency.” The document will help cities and counties comply with a new law that requires them to incorporate climate change into their planning efforts, and assist state agencies carry out a recent Executive Order to prepare for and adapt to climate change.

Photo: Dave Revell

About the author

Cariad Hayes Thronson covers legal and political issues for Estuary News. She has served on the staffs of several national publications, including The American Lawyer. She is a long-time contributor to Estuary News, and some years ago served as its assistant editor. She lives in San Mateo with her husband and two children.

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