Short Wave When Sea Levels Rise, Who Should Pay?
Aug 19, 2021
Lauren Sommer, NPR's climate correspondent, dives into the pressing issues of climate change adaptation in the San Francisco Bay Area. She discusses who should bear the financial burden of protecting coastal regions—taxpayers or deep-pocketed tech companies like Facebook. The conversation touches on the vital role of marshes, restoration projects, and the stark inequalities faced by vulnerable communities. As sea levels rise, Sommer raises ethical questions about funding and responsibilities in safeguarding both people and property.
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Facebook's Levy
- Facebook built its headquarters on the San Francisco Bay shoreline, requiring a levy for protection.
- This levy, however, doesn't meet engineering standards for human safety.
Flood Risk Assessment
- Facebook's $2.5 billion headquarters, designed by Frank Gehry, faces flood risk.
- An environmental analysis revealed vulnerability to 16 inches of sea level rise within decades.
Salt Pond Restoration
- Adjacent to Facebook are former salt ponds being restored into tidal marshes.
- These marshes offer natural flood protection by absorbing wave energy, acting like a sponge.