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Shrinking Shores Sea Level Rise : On-the-Shoreline

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Learn about coastal impacts of climate change during ‘Shrinking Shores’ 

The City of Half Moon Bay and the San Mateo County Office of Sustainability will host an informational event about sea-level rise at Poplar Beach, as part of a statewide campaign called Shrinking Shores. It’s one of many events around the state that will be held in anticipation of World Oceans Day, (June 8), a global day of ocean celebration and collaboration for a better future.

At Poplar Beach on June 3, beachgoers will see a dramatic illustration about predicted ocean levels through the end of the century. Temporary signs will be placed into the sand and on the bluffs to depict scenarios of future sea level rise and bluff erosion. The City and County will staff a booth near the Poplar Beach parking lot where visitors can get information, ask questions, and learn about the science behind the predicted changes.  Poplar Beach is located at the end of Poplar Street, past Railroad Avenue in Half Moon Bay.

Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, and other agencies on the California coast from San Diego to Humboldt County, are working to create awareness of this critical issue. The goal is to educate and inform people, and build a greater understanding of predicted sea level rise and its impacts on our coastline and communities.

On a statewide basis, sea-level rise is already threatening billions of dollars’ worth of homes, businesses, roads, and infrastructure. Local governments are working to inform their communities by assessing what is vulnerable to rising tides and creating opportunities for residents to learn and get involved in addressing these expected environmental changes. The newest California State Sea Level Rise Science Report estimates sea level increases by up to eight feet by the year 2100, and the City is prepared to collaborate with Federal, State, and local agencies to educate and address the causes and effects of climate change.

This is an issue that needs to be understood and addressed today, if we are to make informed decisions taking into account the generations of tomorrow,” said Half Moon Bay Mayor Debbie Ruddock. “To those who look at the year 2100 as beyond our scope, I say - think about your children and grandchildren, who will be most impacted by sea level rise. For their sake, as well as for the near-term effects, we cannot afford to ignore this issue. We are all in this together, and the collaborative ‘Shrinking Shores’ event is a great opportunity to learn more and better visualize these impacts.”

The City has produced a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment and a Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail erosion study, which help to outline the local impacts of sea level rise. These documents are linked at www.hmbcity.com/planning. Also on that page is a link to SeaChange San Mateo County, an initiative to bring together and provide resources to local governments and agencies within the County around the issue of sea level rise.

Saturday, 06/03/17

Contact:

Jill Ekas, Planning Manager
Phone: (650) 726-8264
Website: Click to Visit

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Poplar Beach


Half Moon Bay, CA