The canal district in San Rafael, California is built on reclaimed wetlands. But over time, the land is slowly sinking into San Francisco Bay.
As sea levels rise, the risk of flooding also increases.
Hagerman: “This community is really vulnerable to sea level rise.”
Kate Hagemann works with the City of San Rafael on climate adaptation and resiliency.
To help people understand the risks, the city is organizing so-called “big tide days”.
King Tide Day is the day with the highest tides each year. At an event in February, families volunteered to measure water depth and salinity in flooded streets and other coastal areas.
The data will help officials understand the city's vulnerability to flooding and sea level rise so they can plan how to adapt.
These events also help community members understand the reality of climate change.
Hagman: “Put on your wellies, go out and take photos and measure — how deep is the water? Is it salty? Is it fresh? — to help people see it with their own eyes and participate in telling the story that climate change is not a problem of the future, but is already here.
San Rafael is currently planning another Big Tide Day in December to allow everyone to help the city adapt to climate change.
Report source: Ethan Freedman / ChavoBart Digital Media
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