In other news, Politico reported: “A supervisor at the Energy Department's International Climate Office told staff not to use the phrases “climate change,” “emissions reduction” or “Paris Agreement” in briefings or other written communication.” Speaking of the Paris Agreement, Surfrider recently setup an action alert asking Trump to maintain the U.S. commitment to the international agreement. Click here to send a letter emphasizing the importance of federal leadership and working with global partners to tackle climate change.
Researchers from Stanford University released a paper concluding sea level rise will impact more than one third of surf-spots in California by the end of the century. Sea level rise will contribute to extreme tides that will impact how waves break. In areas where the seafloor is sandy and flat, the wave may break further inshore (perhaps not breaking at all until the shore break). In areas where the seafloor is uneven and rocky (a reef break), higher sea levels will inundate the reef, leaving less area for the wave to break, thus changing the size and shape of the wave.
For years, Surfrider has been working to remove two obsolete dams in southern California—the Matilija Dam and Rindge Dam. It is well established that dams critically impede natural transport of sand to coastal watersheds and beaches. One of the most challenging aspects of dam removal is figuring out what to do with trapped sand. Surfrider recently submitted a comment letter for the Rindge dam project suggesting creative ways to manage the sediment. Surfrider hopes to influence the decision-making process now to ensure sand is strategically used to build resilient beaches that will buffer future sea level rise.
Lace up your walking shoes and hit the streets with Surfrider as we march with thousands of people from around the world at the People’s Climate March on April 29, 2017. Despite the Trump Administration being tone deaf about climate change, we need to take a stand and demand climate action. Plus, by marching we are sending a message to decision-makers who ‘believe’ in climate change that they must up the ante and take bold step to curb climate change. Get inspired. Check out the below video about the upcoming march. See you in the streets on April 29th!