Additional Resources for Addressing Sea Level Rise

While not exhaustive, this list contains some useful resources for the analysis and evaluation of sea level rise-related impacts, including maps and GIS layers, surveys, studies, and assessments. This list will be updated as new information becomes available.

Background Information

State Lands Commission Documents

  • Staff’s Activities to Address Sea Level Rise (2015)
    This staff report provides background information about the potential impacts of sea level rise on the public trust lands and resources under the State Lands Commission’s (Commission) jurisdiction. It also provides an update about how the Commission and its staff have been addressing sea level rise in its planning, leasing, and regulatory actions.
  • Implementation of Recommendations in the Report on Sea Level Rise Preparedness (2010 Update)
    At its meeting on December 17, 2009, the Commission considered and approved Minute Item 39 “A Report on Sea Level Rise Preparedness” (Report). The Commission’s approval included 16 recommendations, one of which was to provide a one-year status update on the implementation of the recommendations included in the Report. The Commission also directed staff to resurvey the major lessees and grantees within a year for an update on their efforts to address sea level rise.
  • Sea Level Rise Preparednessopens in a new window (2009)
    This report has been prepared to address concerns expressed on the issue of sea level rise and the implications for California’s economic and social future by members of the State Lands Commission at the Commission meeting held on June 1, 2009.

Guidance

Assistance

Estimating Financial Costs

  • Economic Impacts of Climate Adaptation Strategies for Southern Monterey Bayopens in a new window (TNC, 2016)
    This study provides a detailed, integrated analysis of the costs and benefits of a range of coastal climate change adaptation strategies at four reaches in southern Monterey Bay, given a range of sea level rise projections.
  • Marine Ecosystem Services Partnershipopens in a new window (Duke University)
    The Marine Ecosystem Services Partnership (MESP) is a community of practice for marine ecosystem stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, economists, and environmental managers. Please use this portal to share ideas, discuss pressing issues, post the latest news, and explore our extensive database of valuation studies.
  • National Ocean Economics Programopens in a new window (MIIS)
    The National Ocean Economics Program is now the core research activity for the Center for the Blue Economy at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. NOEP compiles, analyses, and distributes data to provide users with accurate and timely estimates of changes in the nature and value of the ocean and coastal-based economy.
  • What Will Adaptation Cost? An Economic Framework for Coastal Community Infrastructure (NOAA Coastal Services Center, 2013)
    This report provides a framework that community leaders and planners can use to make more economically informed decisions about adapting to sea level rise and storm flooding. The four-step framework can be used holistically to assess the costs and benefits of different adaptation approaches across a community or to focus on select infrastructure. The report also discusses the expertise needed for each step in the process.

Coastal / Shoreline Surveys and Assessments

Methods

  • European Overtopping Manualopens in a new window
    Describes available methods for assessing overtopping and its consequences. Provides techniques to predict wave overtopping at seawalls, flood embankments, breakwaters, and other shoreline structures. Supported by web-based programs for the calculation of overtopping discharge and design details. Provides pictures and videos of overtopping processes, graphical presentations, case studies, and examples of calculations.
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Coastal Engineering Manualopens in a new window
    Provides tools and procedures to plan, design, construct and maintain coastal projects. Includes basic principles of coastal processes, methods for computing coastal planning and design parameters, and guidance for formulating and conducting studies in support of coastal flooding, shoreline protection, and navigation projects. The link directs you to the Engineer Manual database; type “coastal” in the search box.

Legislation and Governance

  • Executive Order B-30-15opens in a new window (Governor Brown, April 2015)
    By 2030, reduce GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels.
  • Sea Level Rise: A Slow-Moving Emergencyopens in a new window (Assembly Select Committee on Sea level Rise and the California Economy, August 2014)
    This report summarizes the testimony at the hearings providing highlights as well as insightful images that put into perspective the risks California faces. The report also includes key findings and a set of recommendations that was written by committee staff and approved by the Chair.
  • Governing California through Climate Changeopens in a new window (Little Hoover Commission, July 2014)
    The Little Hoover Commission, in this report, calls for the Governor and Legislature to create a new state entity or enhance the capacity of an existing state organization to establish and share the best-available state science and risk assessment procedures for anticipated climate impacts.