Background
Sea levels world-wide are rising as the warming Earth drives thermal expansion of the ocean and global melting of glaciers and ice sheets. Climate experts estimate that by 2100, sea level could rise by around 70 inches and that the frequency, intensity and flood-effects of storms will increase. People in coastal areas, such as here in Marin, need to understand how sea level rise may affect their homes, schools, roads, public facilities, natural resources and habitat areas, when these impacts might occur, how they might change over time, and how to prepare for them.
Marin County's "Collaboration: Sea-level Marin Adaptation Response Team" (C-SMART) is an intergovernmental/public-private partnership that is working to develop this understanding so that, while there is still time, we can together become prepared to meet the challenge of sea level rise. Please use this page to learn about, join, and contribute to this effort. Subscribe here and we will keep you informed of the project's progress and notice of all opportunities to participate. If you have any questions, please call Lauren Armstrong at (415) 473-4333 or send us an email.
Adaptation Planning
View information for Adaptation Planning
- The Marin Ocean Coast Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment Public Review Draft released 10/28/15 (due to the large file size of the document, it has been broken up into sections):
- Description of Program (video and powerpoint)
- The Science Behind Sea Level Rise Scenarios (video and powerpoint)
- Our Coast, Our Future - How to view scenarios for specific areas, including your address (video, powerpoint and Our Coast, Our Future website)
- C-SMART Work Program. The details of how C-SMART will assess impacts that Sea Level Rise may bring to the natural and built resources of Marin County's Coastal Zone, identify strategies to address these effects, and coordinate with relevant agencies to plan for implementation of such measures.
- Study Area Map