Silicon Valley campuses at risk as sea levels rise

2016-05-03T14:29:00-04:00

Sea level forecasts by a coalition of scientists show that the Silicon Valley bases for Facebook, Google and Cisco are at risk of being cut off or even flooded, even under optimistic scenarios where rapid cuts in greenhouse gas emissions avoid the most severe sea level increases. Without significant adaptation, Facebook’s new campus appears most at risk.

San Francisco to mandate solar panels for new constructionsWhile the Frank Gehry-designed campus was elevated to prevent flooding, even a 1.6 ft rise – on the low end of predictions – will "inundate" the campus. Google is a little better off but will also be swamped if the Antarctic ice sheet starts breaking up, as evidence suggests may happen imminently.

For more news on rising tides in the Bay Area:

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Silicon Valley campuses at risk as sea levels rise