- San Clemente, California , is experiencing severe coastal erosion driven by rising sea levels and urban development that restricts natural sediment flow, dramatically shrinking local beaches and threatening coastal bluffs.
- Encroaching ocean waves and fragile cliffs have caused recurring closures along a vital 351-mile passenger and freight rail corridor between San Diego and Los Angeles, forcing transit officials to consider moving tracks inland.
- California coastal communities are preparing for increased risks of flooding and landslides ahead of an expected super El Niño, an oceanic warming event that is intensifying due to human-caused climate change.
- To address a critical 3 million cubic yard sand deficit, San Clemente residents are considering a November ballot measure proposing a 1 percent sales tax to fund beach replenishment and wildfire protection.
- While transit authorities have placed heavy rock barriers along train tracks as a temporary defense, experts warn that these structures accelerate offshore sand loss and cannot permanently prevent sea level rise from eroding the coast.
IN FULL
Sea level rise is reshaping a beloved California beach town and threatening a busy rail line
