Coming to a Coastal City Near You: The International Sea Level Institute

A global problem requiring local solutions—sea level rise is one of the great planning challenges of the 21st century. A new institute wants to help cities prepare for the future.

1 minute read

April 11, 2016, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Jen Kinney writes of the early efforts of the International Sea Level Institute, "a young nonprofit looking to educate engineers, planners, architects, politicians, attorneys, financiers and more about the dangers of sea level rise and the need to adapt."

According to Kinney, the institute is in the final stages of selecting a location. "Miami, San Francisco and a spot in Rhode Island are all in the running."

The article offers John Englander, the institute’s director as well as an oceanographer, consultant, and author, a chance to explain some of the consequences of sea level rise for cities like those in consideration for the location of the institute. The lessons Englander shares include important distinctions in nomenclature.

Friday, April 8, 2016 in Next City

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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