Preparing for Climate Change Impacts in California
The climate is changing and the effects are apparent throughout California, including higher temperatures, more extreme wildfires, and rising sea levels. These changes — at least partly due to global warming — could have devastating effects on the regional economy, urban infrastructure, public health, recreation, tourism, agriculture, and the environment.
California historically has been a pioneer in addressing global warming, setting an example for other states and the federal government to follow.
Tools for Scientists
To help elevate the voices of scientists in California — and effectively communicate the growing risks of climate change to policy makers — UCS hosted a series of webinars, A Voice for Science and Scientists in California Climate Policy. Recordings of the webinars are available online.
We can — and must — redouble our efforts to minimize the risks of future warming by taking more action to reduce heat-trapping emissions. Please urge California’s leaders to push for strong, science-based policies that bring the steep, swift emissions cuts we need.
With the effects of global warming already starting to be felt, however, California communities must also take action to effectively prepare for, and protect against, the changes that cannot be avoided.
Preparing for Climate Change Impacts in California
To help state and local officials effectively prepare for the effects of climate change, UCS is producing a series of fact sheets that summarize recent assessments of expected regional climate impacts in California.
The first in this series, Preparing for Climate Change Impacts in Los Angeles: Strategies and Solutions for Protecting Local Communities, outlines the likely effects of climate change in the Los Angeles area, including rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves, increased levels of harmful ground-level ozone, accelerating sea level rise, and growing water shortages.
Take Action on Climate Change
- Contact your legislators and urge them to push for strong, science-based policies to reduce global warming emissions and prepare California communities for the impacts of climate change. Learn about ways to effectively engage policy makers.
- Join thousands of other concerned citizens who are making an effort to reduce energy use and lower personal carbon emissions by 20 percent — the collective savings have a real and meaningful impact. Learn more.
- Support our work. UCS experts analyze and recommend technologies and policies that help reduce global warming emissions and move America toward a safer, healthier future. Become a member of UCS or make a donation today!
