Economic Impact of Sea Level Rise on Coastal Structures in California: Fid-Bau Portal

Economic Impact of Sea Level Rise on Coastal Structures in California

Neumann, James E. / Hudgens, Daniel E. / Herr, Jane Leber / Kassakian, Jennifer

The potential effects of climate change on sea-level are well established; a global temperature increase is likely to lead to both thermal expansion and the melting of polar ice caps, which contribute to the causes of sea level rise. Increases in sea level can affect individuals living in coastal and low-lying areas, inundate or impair wetland functions, and can damage structures and beachfront property along the coast. Research on the economic costs of sea-level rise began in the 1980's, and progressed from early assessments that focused on total property at risk and protection costs in isolation to more recent efforts that incorporate both property values and protection costs. Many of the published estimates focus either on a very limited geographic scope, or are national in scope. It has recently become clear that regional and sub-regional estimates of the economic cost of sea-level rise are also needed to inform coordinated response and adaptation planning that is responsive to local conditions but recognizes that other relevant coastal policy choices may be made at the state level. Recently, the California Coastal Commission examined the potential impacts of sea-level rise along the state's coast. The commission identifies significant portions of coast that were both extensively developed and low-lying or prone to erosion, including San Diego and Los Angeles as well as portions of San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Mateo and Humboldt. The commission also concludes that a mix of hard engineering (e.g., armoring) and soft engineering (e.g., beach nourishment) are likely to be employed, but that retreat from certain threatened areas is also an option. The study, however, does not estimate the economic cost of these responses.