Ellen Plane News Today

A previously ignored water source will require cities to rethink flood projections, building codes and adaptation planning

A previously ignored water source will require cities to rethink flood projections, building codes and adaptation planning

Amid repeated storms and sea level rise, new research shines light on another flood risk that has remained hidden for years: groundwater rise.

Communities that consider themselves “safe” from sea level rise might need to think otherwise, said Kris May, a lead author of the report and founder of Pathways Climate Institute, a research-based consulting firm in San Francisco that helps cities adapt to climate change.

Researchers modeled how investing in environmental conservation and protection can help San Mateo County adapt to rising seas. The findings provide incentives for policymakers to prioritize nature-based approaches when planning for sea-level rise.

Researchers modeled how investing in environmental conservation and protection can help San Mateo County adapt to rising seas.