Rising California Waves: A Climate Change Impact

A new study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans reveals that wave heights along the California coast have increased by about a foot since 1969 due to global warming. The study also found an increase in the number of storm events producing waves over 13 feet in height. While this may benefit surfers, it poses a threat to California's vulnerable coastline, which is already experiencing rising sea levels and coastal erosion. Without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, nearly three-quarters of California's beaches could be eroded by the end of the century, resulting in billions of dollars worth of property damage. The study adds to growing evidence that climate change is intensifying storm activity and wave power globally.