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Chapter 9Coastal IssuesCoordinating Lead AuthorsMargaret R. Caldwell (Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford LawSchool), Eric H. Hartge (Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment)Lead AuthorsLesley C. Ewing (California Coastal Commission), Gary Griggs (Universityof California, Santa Cruz), Ryan P. Kelly (Stanford Woods Institute for theEnvironment), Susanne C. Moser (Susanne Moser Research and Consulting,Stanford University), Sarah G. Newkirk (The Nature Conservancy, California),Rebecca A. Smyth (NOAA, Coastal Services Center), C. Brock Woodson (StanfordWoods Institute for the Environment))expert Review EditorRebecca Lunde (NOAA)Executive SummaryThe California coast is constantly changing due to human development and physicalforces. With the increase in climate impacts―including sea-level rise, ocean warming,ocean acidification, and increased storm events―effects of these physical forces will bemore significant and will present substantial risks to coastal areas in the future. Naturalecosystems, coastal development, economic interests, and even cultural attachment tothe coast will be at risk. Given the high concentration of coastal development, population,infrastructure, and economic activity in coastal counties, continued and growingpressure to protect these assets and activities from rising sea levels is expected.168Chapter citation: Caldwell, M. R., E. H. Hartge, L. C. Ewing, G. Griggs, R. P. Kelly, S. C. Moser,S. G. Newkirk, R. A. Smyth, and C. B. Woodson. 2013. “Coastal Issues.” In Assessment of ClimateChange in the Southwest United States: A Report Prepared for the National Climate Assessment, editedby G. Garfin, A. Jardine, R. Merideth, M. Black, and S. LeRoy, 168–196. A report by the SouthwestClimate Alliance. Washington, DC: Island Press.