Malibu Coastline Faces Grave Threat from Rising Sea Levels by 2070

According to a comprehensive coastal vulnerability assessment conducted in late 2025, Malibu's 21-mile coastline is at great risk from the impacts of rising sea levels over the next 45 years. The report, prepared by Environmental Science Associates, predicts that tidal inundation, shoreline erosion, storm flooding, and wave run-up will significantly affect the area as sea levels rise up to 6.6 feet by 2070-75.

The assessment identified four major areas of vulnerability: residential and commercial development, septic systems in low-lying areas, the famous Pacific Coast Highway, and the city's already narrow beaches. With sea levels projected to be 2.5 feet higher by 2070-75, the iconic highway could be wiped out in a major storm, and septic systems will be at high risk as groundwater rises.

Next year, the city plans to present adaptation and mitigation measures to address these threats, including structural elevation, dune restoration, and coastal armoring. This assessment has been in the works since 2019 and will help Malibu update its Local Coastal Program, implement resiliency plans, and develop long-term strategies to protect its vulnerable coastline.