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Roundtable: San Diego’s Climate Crisis

Flooding in Imperial Beach,  Jan. 18, 2019 (left); 2007 Witch Creek Fire (right).
Erik Anderson (left); AP (right)
Flooding in Imperial Beach, Jan. 18, 2019 (left); 2007 Witch Creek Fire (right).

Roundtable Guests:

Erik Anderson, environment reporter, KPBS News

Priya Sridhar, reporter, KPBS News

Steve Walsh, military reporter, KPBS News

Matt Hoffman, reporter, KPBS News

Impact on local business

Businesses that rely on the ocean for financial stability are feeling the negative effects of climate change. Here in San Diego, shellfish farming is becoming a harder job each day. Erik Anderson takes a look at how ocean acidification combined with warmer water temperatures impact the seaside business.

RELATED: Trump Bars California From Setting Stricter Fuel Standards

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Climate migration

With a changing climate comes an increase in people across the world forced to relocate due to environmental instability. Whether it’s the inability to grow crops or widespread drought, global warming is causing “climate migration.” Priya Sridhar examines the environmental crisis.

RELATED: Let’s Talk About Climate Migrants, Not Climate Refugees

Military assistance for natural disasters increasing

The duty of California’s National Guard is changing, with the need for assistance during natural disasters steadily increasing in part because of climate change. Over the last decade, the federal government has continued to allocate more money toward the California Guard specifically for wildfire response. Military reporter Steve Walsh explains how our changing climate is affecting the job.

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RELATED: San Diego’s Climate Crisis: The Risks And Costs Of Living In The Backcountry

Sea level rise threatens Imperial Beach

Sea level rise is increasing flooding in coastal neighborhoods, and is likely to accelerate with time. That’s according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists who warn San Diego County is on track to experience a record number of flooding incidents in the coming years. However, the concern goes further than coastal homes. Matt Hoffman tells us why the threat of sea-level rise goes beyond million-dollar seaside mansions.

RELATED: Report: High Tide Flooding Will Increase Along San Diego Coast

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