This report was developed by Proyecto Fronterizo de Educación Ambiental A.C. in collaboration with the Permanent Forum of Binational Waters, the Instituto Tecnológico de Tijuana, and the City of Imperial Beach. The primary objective is to generate and disseminate accessible information about water quality and coastal erosion in the San Diego, Tijuana, and Rosarito region through open science and citizen participation. This approach enhances climate vulnerability understanding and promotes binational community empowerment for greater resilience.
Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, highlighting the need for greater coastal resilience. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), $94 trillion will be invested in protection infrastructures worldwide over the next 20 years. Similarly, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in its 2023 Adaptation Gap Report, emphasizes that investing in adaptation and mitigation can significantly reduce future climate costs.
The Tijuana-San Diego region is particularly vulnerable due to climate change, experiencing extreme rainfall, rising temperatures, and water stress. Projections indicate reduced rainfall by 2040, threatening water availability and exacerbating coastal erosion and contamination issues.
The Tijuana-San Diego region is particularly vulnerable due to climate change, experiencing extreme rainfall, rising temperatures, and water stress. Projections indicate reduced rainfall by 2040, threatening water availability and exacerbating coastal erosion and contamination issues.
The time to act is now! Coastal erosion and water contamination threaten our communities, ecosystems, and future generations. Join the movement to create lasting change.
Impacting infrastructure and ecosystems, erosion is caused by a mix of factors, among the most important are rock types, land use changes, increased frequency of severe weather conditions due to climate change, sea level rise, and the increasing population in urban areas.
Two main factors that are severely affecting coastal quality are the discharge of untreated wastewater, allowing raw sewage and toxic industrial chemicals to enter waterways and the coastal environment, and the presence of solid waste, which is degrading marine water quality, threatening public health, and impacting the biodiversity of vital marine ecosystems.
Insufficient wastewater treatment capacity demands urgent improvements.
Studies identify critical contamination points requiring immediate remediation.
Affected by natural and human activities, leading to infrastructure instability and environmental degradation.
Has implemented policies and strategies for coastal management, including the Environmental Strategy for Integrated Coastal Zone Management and the creation of the Intersecretarial Commission for the Sustainable Management of Seas and Coasts. However, there are limitations in the execution and financing of these programs.
• Invest in modern wastewater treatment systems to reduce marine pollution.
• Establish and fund long-term coastal monitoring programs.
• Enhance coordination among government and community entities.
• Increase the participation of communities and involvement in coastal conservation efforts.
• Facilitate access to open science and citizen science initiatives.
• Implement hybrid coastal protection strategies, including wetland and dune restoration.
The Tijuana-San Diego coastal zone faces severe challenges due to coastal erosion and water contamination. Existing infrastructure is insufficient to manage climate change impacts, requiring stronger coordination and funding to enhance resilience. Binational collaboration and community participation are crucial for sustainable solutions.
Get involved in protecting our coastal environment! Participate in citizen science initiatives and support sustainable coastal management.
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