Sea level rise reshaping California beach town and threatening rail line
Summary
The Southern California beach town of San Clemente is losing its shoreline due to rising sea levels and coastal erosion. This erosion threatens homes and a busy passenger rail line, prompting local efforts to raise money for beach restoration.Key Facts
- San Clemente’s beach has shrunk because rising sea levels and waves are pushing the shoreline inland.
- Coastal erosion has damaged oceanfront homes and forced the closure of a crucial passenger rail line several times.
- The rail line connects San Diego to Los Angeles and further north and is important for passengers, freight, and the military.
- Urban development has reduced the sand flow that used to help maintain the beaches.
- Warmer ocean water has made waves bigger and pushed them further inland.
- A local tax measure proposing a 1% sales tax to fund wildfire protection and beach sand replenishment will be voted on in November.
- Officials have tried to protect the rail line by placing rocks near the tracks, but this also speeds up beach erosion.
- San Clemente faces a shortage of about 3 million cubic yards of sand, making beach restoration difficult.
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