Rising Sea Levels Could Cost L.A. Area Coastal Communities -- Malibu, Venice -- Nearly $1 Billion

Michael Clesle

Das Bu.

First, we confirmed that, yes, as you toasted in 100 degree weather the first week of September, summers actually are likely getting hotter as a result of global warming. Now this:

A study by San Francisco State University says some folks along the beach better build seawalls or plan on moving inland, because the Pacific might be getting a little too close for comfort as all those icebergs melt. And it will cost us:

The time frame for the study's projections is this century. Not the year 2000.

tensaibuta

This could all be the bottom of the ocean.

SFSU researchers looked at Venice and Malibu, among other coastal towns, and found that the rise in sea level will add up to nearly a billion dollars for Venice and Malibu alone. SFSU:

The results suggest that visitor hotspots like Venice Beach could lose up to $440 million in tourism revenue between now and 2100 if sea levels rise by 4.6 feet ...

Venice is already in a low-lying area that was once wetlands and which is now a prime flood zone if a tsunami hits.

SFSU's academics say the 'bu would be hit hard too:

... If sea level rises by 4.6 feet, Malibu beaches could lose almost $500 million in accumulated tourism revenue between now and 2100.

In March Caltech scientists said sea levels are rising faster than expected.

Philip King, associate professor of economics at SFSU, says:

More than 80 percent of Californians live in coastal communities, and California's beaches support local economies and critical natural species ... Sea level rise will send reverberations throughout local and state economies.

What to do? Invest in the lovely, future-seaside community of Fontana. We hear it's the next Manhattan Beach.

[@dennisjromero/djromero@laweekly.com]