High tides are no longer a rare occurrence for Long Beach residents, as a combination of natural phenomena and human-induced climate change intensifies the extremes of normal tidal cycles. The Long Beach Peninsula, a narrow stretch of homes on the sand between the ocean and Alamitos Bay, is at the forefront of these changes. The highest tides of the year typically occur around the summer and winter solstices, but this year, a unique blend of factors is exacerbating these events. Mark Merrifield, an oceanography professor at Scripps, explains that the recent high tides can be attributed to natural cycles related to the moon's position relative to Earth and the ongoing El Niño phenomenon. El Niño, a natural climate pattern that warms the Pacific Ocean, contributes to higher sea levels as warmer water occupies more space. This trend is further accelerated by atmospheric pollution, which has led to an increasing rate of sea-level rise since the Industrial Revolution, according to NASA. The consequences of these rising tides are evident in Long Beach's response. The city's climate action plan estimates that sea levels will rise by up to 2 feet by 2050 and nearly 7 feet by 2100. This has prompted the construction of sand berms to protect oceanfront properties, a measure that was not necessary a decade ago. The city's efforts to replenish the sand on the peninsula six days a week are becoming increasingly challenging due to the relentless movement of sand. To address this, Long Beach plans to dredge 415,000 cubic yards of sand from the Alamitos Bay Channel and replenish the beach further out, potentially reducing the need for berms. However, the city's long-term plans to restore kelp beds and rocky reefs have stalled, which could have helped mitigate wave energy. Residents of the peninsula, like Charles Thomas, who has lived there for 50 years, are witnessing the transformation of their beloved beach. Thomas, who married his wife on the beach in front of his house, now faces the reality of water flooding over eroded berms and under the lifeguard tower. Siobhan Gadallah, a recent renter on the peninsula, describes the intense waves that splash over the berms, posing a potential risk to her young child. Despite the challenges, Gadallah remains optimistic, citing the effectiveness of sandbags in preventing flooding inside her home. The ongoing changes in Long Beach's coastline raise important questions about how to adapt to rising sea levels and the potential need to reconsider how we live with high water.
