A cheerful scientist studies the effects of climate change on sea level rise in front of his new Mission Beach condo.

“Look, it just makes sense,” said National Ocean Level Academy President Reginald Smart in his address to the California Coastal Commission on Monday. “Scripps Institute of Oceanography is where? On the ocean. Because that’s where it needs to be in order to properly do its work. Nobody begrudges them that, even if they do occupy prime La Jolla real estate. Well, we’re scientists who study the rising of ocean levels. It seems clear to us that the best way for us to do our work is to work, and even live, right up against the ocean. Just look at the recent flooding in Mission Beach — clearly, the effect of ocean level rise. Those properties are going to be worthless pretty soon, anyway. Why not give owners the chance to at least get a tax write-off by giving them to us? Trust the science, people — and move inland as soon as possible.”