The Pacific Coast Highway, a Mythic Route Always in Need of Repair – the New York Times
The highway embodies the California promise of freedom. But it keeps breaking. A recent trip along the roadway revealed the frustrations of many residents.
As Coastline Erodes, One California City Considers ‘Retreat Now’ – Bloomberg
Carlsbad, unlike many other seaside communities, might just have the time, space and resources to get ahead of coastal erosion…
The Destruction of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Gary Griggs | Op-Ed
“Move fast and break things” is a catchphrase popularized by Mark Zuckerberg, suggesting that rapid innovation and progress are achieved by embracing experimentation and accepting that mistakes and failures are inevitable…While this approach may have benefits in the tech world, it is no way to run a nation, yet, sadly, this is what we are now experiencing in Washington, D.C., with the administration’s plans underway now to essentially destroy the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Introducing SandKids.org and Sand Tales Episode 1: From the Mountains to the Sea
What’s the difference between weather, climate, and climate change? We often hear about the threats posed by climate change and its effects on people and the environment. But before addressing how to tackle it, it’s important to understand the basics: what climate is, how it differs from weather, and how the two are connected. Discover how to identify signs of climate change in your area and start conversations that promote a more resilient future…
They lost their coastal Malibu homes to fire. But should they rebuild along a rising sea? – the Los Angeles Times
“I think we suffer from what I call a short disaster memory. We want to get in there and build and rebuild as fast as we can,” said Gary Griggs, a UC Santa Cruz oceanographer and coastal geologist who wrote “California Catastrophes: The Natural Disaster History of the Golden State.” But the impermanence of coastal construction ”is not something most people are interested in hearing about.”…
Bad News for the Oceans and the Earth – Gary Griggs | Op-Ed
Decisions made and actions taken over the past several weeks in Washington, D.C. by the new administration are going to have a profound, negative and lasting impact on the health of the oceans and the Earth as a whole…
The Loss of Coastal Legend . . .
We are sad to report that a true coastal legend passed away after a short illness on December 13, 2024. Dr. Orrin Pilkey was Professor Emeritus of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University, and founder and Director Emeritus of the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines. Orrin was special for many reasons and was a friend and colleague to many of us. We thought this amazing guy was so tough and resilient that he would simply never die…
California regulators approve huge Ocean Beach seawall – San Francisco Chronicle
On Thursday, California’s main coastal protection agency approved a $175 million climate-related project that will transform the southern portion of San Francisco’s Ocean Beach despite fierce opposition from some members of the public. A sticking point is a massive seawall that some surfers fear could make the beach disappear…
Elections and Oceans – Gary Griggs | Op-Ed
While I typically try to inform rather than advocate in my columns, in the United States, we are currently about two weeks from what may be the most consequential election of our lives, and the outcome of our collective voting will have major impacts on all of us and the oceans in the years ahead…