California Coastal Commission resolves to combat sea level rise

REDONDO BEACH — The California Coastal Commission dug its heels into the 1,100-plus miles of state coastline and resolved to continue its fight against sea level rise, as commissioner unanimously adopted a resolution on Aug. 8 to maintain California’s beaches and shoreline amidst a changing environment. Among the tools recommended by the commission to address sea level rise and protect California shoreline were best available science data, coastal armoring, implementation of adaptation strategies and community collaboration. “As you all know, the sea level is rising,” Coastal Commission Executive Director John Ainsworth said. “Our understanding of how much, where and when is also increasing.” Coastal Commission staff presented the sea level rise and shoreline preservation resolution ahead of the Global Climate Action Summit, which will be held Sept. 12-14 in San Francisco and hosted by Gov. Jerry Brown. “The summit will underscore the need … to avoid the most devastating impacts of climate change,” Ainsworth said. “The summit’s discussion will spur climate action in key areas, including land and ocean stewardship.” Ainsworth also mentioned two reports issued by California’s Ocean Protection Council, or OPC – Rising Seas in California: An Update on Sea-Level Rise Science (April 2017) and State of California Sea Level-Rise Guidiance: 2018 Update...