California’s iconic coastline and the vast ecological, cultural, and economic resources tied to it are deeply threatened by sea-level rise. This study anticipates California’s need to respond to the intensifying effects of climate change with equitable and economically viable solutions, highlighting the heightened vulnerability to sea-level rise among low-income households and communities of color. Detailed interactive maps illustrate populations and critical infrastructure at risk, such as healthcare facilities and hazardous waste sites. The authors find that the economic cost of sea-level rise will be much greater than the cost to implement adaptive solutions, such as coastal armoring.

GIS Data downloads: Sea-Level Rise Impacts

Interactive Map: California Coastal Areas and Infrastructure Vulnerable to Flooding and Erosion 

Map: Hazards

Map: Sea-Level Rise

Thematic map: Vulnerable Population

Thematic map: Vulnerable Roadways

Thematic map: Railroads

Thematic map: Electric Power Plants, California

Thematic map: Electric Power Plants, San Francisco Bay Area

Thematic map: Electric Power Plants, Southern California

Thematic map: Wastewater Treatment Plants, California

Thematic map: Wastewater Treatment Plants, San Francisco Bay Area

Thematic map: Existing Coastal Wetlands

Thematic map: Viability of Potential Coastal Wetland Migration Area, Northern California

Thematic map: Viability of Potential Coastal Wetland Migration Area, San Francisco 

Thematic map: Viability of Potential Coastal Wetland Migration Area, Central California

Thematic map: Viability of Potential Coastal Wetland Migration Area, Southern California

Thematic map: Replacement Value of Buildings and Contents

The Impacts of Sea Level Rise on the San Francisco Bay