Beyond 2050
The San Francisco Bay Area, known for its Mediterranean climate and renowned wine grapes, is facing significant changes due to climate change. The region, home to over 7 million people, is experiencing a decrease in fog, rising sea levels, and an increase in wildfires and droughts. By 2050, the average annual temperature could rise by 4.4°F, and by 2100, it could rise by 7.2°F under high-emission scenarios.
Fog, which acts as a natural cooling system for the Bay Area, has been declining since the 1950s, reducing by about three hours per day during the foggy season. This decline impacts energy use and agriculture. Sea levels in the Bay could rise over a foot by 2050, putting over 300,000 properties at high risk of flooding in the next 30 years, with nearly 90% of homeowners potentially lacking flood insurance. The return of water to the Bay’s original shoreline could cause extensive flooding and environmental damage across the region.
For a deeper look into these issues, watch the full episode "Bay Area 2050" from ABC-7 Bay Area on YouTube:
San Francisco County
San Francisco Seawall Project: Upgrading the Embarcadero Seawall to protect against sea level rise and earthquake threats. (Implemented: 2018)
Living Shorelines Project: Implements natural solutions such as restored wetlands and oyster reefs. (Implemented: 2011)
San Mateo County
Flood Resilience Program: Includes levee improvements, flood walls, and storm water management systems. (Implemented: 2019)
OneShoreline: Regional solutions to address sea level rise, including multi-benefit projects that help natural habitats. (Implemented: 2021)
Alameda County
Flood Control and Water Conservation District: Includes levee improvements, pump station upgrades, and infrastructure improvement. (Implemented: 2017)
Estuary Program: Collaboration with the San Francisco Estuary Partnership to restore wetlands and improve shoreline resilience. (Implemented: 2020)
Marin County
BayWAVE: Program to assess vulnerabilities and develop adaptation strategies for the county’s shoreline. Includes building levees and explores other options. (Implemented: 2019)
Living Shorelines: Living shorelines projects that use natural habitats for coastal protection. (Implemented: 2021).
Santa Clara County
South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project: Largest tidal wetland restoration project on the West Coast, restoring tidal marshes. (Implemented: 2015)
Shoreline Levee Project: Strengthening levees along the Bay to provide flood protection and accommodate rising sea levels. (Implemented: 2018)
Contra Costa County
Flood Control District: Efforts include creek restoration, levee enhancements, and stormwater management projects. (Implemented: 2016)
Adapting to Rising Tides (ART) Program: Collaboration with BCDC (a state regulatory agency with regional authority to the Bay) to plan and implement possible solutions for the county's shoreline. (Implemented: 2020)
What have SF Bay Area counties done to combat sea level rise so far?
Would constructing a dam beneath the Golden Gate Bridge be effective in preventing floods?
San Francisco Bay's shoreline is at significant risk from rising sea levels, sparking discussions on drastic measures like building a barrier at the Golden Gate. While this idea has been dismissed in the past due to environmental concerns, some local leaders, like San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, argue for a reevaluation, saying it could be a plausible solution to the widespread issue.
Liccardo points out that existing plans, involving numerous smaller projects, may be inefficient and costly, with estimates suggesting $19 billion needed to address even two feet of sea level rise by 2070. He advocates for a single project to save resources.
However, Therese McMillan, executive director of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments, argues that such a barrier wouldn't fully protect against all climate change impacts. The idea remains controversial and is yet to be reintroduced for consideration.
The image to the right shows a possible solution that may be used to have a fresh-water lake inside the bay while administering a dam to reduce the impact of sea-level rise.
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