California State’s biggest coastal cities could soon find themselves underwater, according to a new report from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS).
Researchers have found that cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Alameda have experienced a noticeable rise in sea levels since 2018.
Among them, San Diego is experiencing the fastest increase, with sea levels rising by 2.6 millimetres per year.
By 2050, the report warns that these cities could face even higher sea levels, leading to severe flooding in densely populated and economically vital areas.
The VIMS report also highlights that East Coast cities like New York and Boston are similarly vulnerable to sea-level rise.
The Public Policy Institute of California estimates that rising sea levels along the coast could threaten $18 billion worth of infrastructure due to flooding.
In the San Francisco Bay Area alone, the VIMS study suggests that $110 billion may be needed to adequately protect homes and residents from future sea-level threats.