Economic Impacts of Climate Adaptation Strategies for Southern Monterey Bay
This study analyzes the costs and benefits of sea level rise adaptation strategies in southern Monterey Bay. It evaluates coastal erosion, flooding risks, and management approaches, helping decision makers compare adaptation options across different shoreline reaches using physical and economic modeling.
Subject Tags
- Climate resilience
- Coastal
- Climate adaptation
Introduction
This study provides an integrated analysis of sea level rise adaptation strategies for southern Monterey Bay, supporting coastal planners and decision makers. It evaluates how different shoreline management approaches respond to coastal erosion, flooding, storm impacts, and sea level rise under multiple projections. Using physical process modeling and economic analysis, the study compares costs and benefits across four coastal reaches, including impacts on infrastructure, property, recreation, and ecological resources. Developed with stakeholder input, the study examines a range of realistic adaptation strategies and highlights how nature based approaches can provide economic and environmental benefits. The findings help coastal communities improve planning, assess tradeoffs, and develop effective climate adaptation strategies along California’s coast.
TNC Authors
-
Dr. Walter N. Heady
Sr Coastal/Marine Scientist
The Nature Conservancy
Email: wheady@tnc.org -
Brian Cohen
Senior Spatial Data Scientist
The Nature Conservancy
Email: bcohen@tnc.org -
Kelly L. Leo
The Nature Conservancy -
Sarah G. Newkirk
The Nature Conservancy