Rising Reality

Chronicle Urban Design Critic John King explores the challenges posed by sea level rise in the Bay Area, from the perils facing San Francisco's crumbling Embarcadero to the struggles to revive marshes and the creation of a small city on Treasure Island.

A regional response to bay's encroaching waters May 2016 The Bay Area needs to plan for these shifting tides now and upend a half-century of priorities that inhibits adventurous decision-making and design.

Shoring up the city's edge July 2016 History, the future and politics collide as bay waters and an aged seawall threaten San Francisco's Embarcadero.

Defying the tides September 2016 Four San Francisco development projects will test different defenses against the bay's growing threat.

Distinct problems demand distinct solutions November 2016 Four sections of the bay’s shoreline show the range of challenges in the face of sea level rise.