The Bay In Alameda, Sea Level Rise Is Happening on All Sides
Apr 1, 2026
Ezra David Romero, KQED climate reporter who covered Alameda’s shoreline, guides listeners through on-the-ground reporting of rising tides and erosion. He outlines vulnerability assessments and adaptation ideas like seawalls, marsh restoration, oyster reefs, and funding hurdles. He also highlights community efforts and tough choices about protection, retreat, and regional coordination.
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On-the-Ground Tour Revealed Immediate Risks
- Ezra David Romero toured Alameda with Danielle Mueller and Chris May to see shoreline risks firsthand.
- They visited high seawalls, eroding green wood sections, and homes built right up to the shore illustrating past work and urgent needs.
Tides Are Already Flooding Roads And Eroding Beaches
- Alameda already experiences higher tides and king-tide inundation that floods Shoreline Drive and erodes beaches.
- California saw ~8 inches rise in the past century; projections show ~1 foot by 2050 and 2–6 feet by 2100 worsening those events.
Groundwater Rise Creates Flooding From Beneath
- Rising bay levels push up shallow groundwater so basements flood from below as well as from the bay.
- Chris May said about 60% of Alameda's shallow groundwater is already near the surface, requiring sump pumps in older homes.