February 28, 2023
City Council
DATE: February 28, 2023
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: Vice Mayor Gayle McLaughlin
Subject:
Presentation on the impending impact of sea level rise
based on scientific data and how Richmond can prepare.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact related to this item.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
On April 20, 2021, then-Councilmember Martinez and
Councilmember McLaughlin brought a resolution and
study session item to City Council to hear from Dr.
Kristina Hill about the latest scientific information on sea level rise. Resolution 43-21 was passed unanimously to address the impact of sea level rise by incorporating new scientific data into our Climate Action Plan.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Dr. Kristina Hill is a professor at UC Berkeley who studies changes in environmental conditions as a result of
urbanization and climate change. Given Richmond’s 32
miles of shoreline, this item gives the City Council an opportunity to hear again from Dr. Hill and learn further about what we can expect in the years to come from
impending and accelerating sea level rise and how we
can and must protect our residents, businesses, and
shoreline.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
RECEIVE a presentation from Dr. Kristina Hill, Associate Professor of Environmental Planning and Urban Design
and Director of the Institute of Urban and Regional
Development at UC Berkeley to further our
understanding of the latest science regarding sea level rise and its impact on our city – Vice Mayor Gayle
McLaughlin (510-620-6366).
AGENDA
REPORT
February 28, 2023
DISCUSSION:
Dr. Kristina Hill is Associate Professor of Environmental Planning and Urban Design and Director of Institute of Urban and Regional Development at UC Berkeley. Her background is in geology, before getting a PhD in landscape planning, with a minor in ecology. Her dissertation was on how to handle uncertainties in mapping which serves well in the study of sea level rise.
She studies changes in environmental conditions as a result of urbanization and climate change, and develops urban design approaches, infrastructure strategies, and habitat conservation strategies that allow coastal regions to adapt to increased extent or frequency of flooding.
In Richmond, we have 32 miles of shoreline, and it is essential we look ahead as the scientific data examines the acceleration of sea level rise. Richmond has taken many actions over the past years to demonstrate our commitment to climate solutions. We have approved a Climate Action Plan; we have a Climate and Energy Element in our General Plan; and we have a Health in All Policies Ordinance and Strategy to protect our residents, businesses and 32 miles of shoreline.
More recently, we have approved the development of a Richmond Green-Blue New Deal plan. The “Blue” aspect of this plan will focus on shoreline protection and sustainability-oriented water-related job creation.
Also, on April 20, 2021, the City Council unanimously passed Resolution 43-21, which resolved that all new scientific information will be verified and incorporated into the Climate Action Plan.
In addition to these critical policies and strategies, it is important to be aware of the economic challenges that we will be facing. It has been said that “the environment is the economy.” In other words, if we ignore the looming impact of environmental and climate change, such as sea level rise, on our local environment, we can expect to be hit with the cost of repairing the environmental harm and the cost of public health liability in years to come.
This presentation by Dr. Hill will further our understanding of the challenges to come in regard to sea level rise and its impact on our facilities, water systems, shoreline and the health of our residents with the goal of helping us envision and work toward building a sustainable and healthy future.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution 43-21 unanimously approved on April 20, 2021