Welcome to the
Coastal Climate Resilience Lab
Research where land meets sea
The world’s coastlines are changing.
In the UC Berkeley Coastal Lab, we seek to identify just and equitable strategies for increasing coastal resilience under climate change. We use interdisciplinary, applied research and community outreach to safeguard coastal biodiversity and sustain human livelihoods.
Climate refugia
Coastal spaces are extremely heterogeneous, and some coastlines experience physical conditions that buffer ecosystems against climate stress or increase restoration potential. Which areas of the coastline are protected from the effects of climate change? How can we map and sustain these areas as havens for future biodiversity?
Land-sea connectivity
Ocean conservation produces higher benefits if paired with terrestrial protection. Conversely, marine reserves can have minimal benefits where land is degraded. We conduct research and work with residents and organizations across the land-sea continuum to support joint conservation, drawing upon tools like advanced mapping technology and policy analysis.
Equitable coastal management
Coastal spaces are mosaics of diverse human communities. Coastlines contain both rich cultural heritage and histories of colonialism and inequity. We research and promote methods of coastal restoration that amplify underrepresented voices in decision making.