Summary

Sea level rise, erosion, increased temperatures, and changes in precipitation are among the many climate change impacts expected to affect California’s natural and built environment. In 2009, the California Climate Adaptation Strategy was released.

Background

In November 2008, Governor Schwarzenegger signed Executive Order S-13-08, which called for state agencies to develop a statewide climate change strategy. The 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy is a report that summarizes climate change science, assesses potential risks and vulnerabilities to the state’s resources, and identifies possible solutions to increase California’s resilience to global climate change. Led by the California Natural Resources Agency and the Governor’s Climate Action Team, this strategy was compiled by 12 state agencies and, boards, and commissions. Among the contributors were the Departments of Public Health, Parks and Recreation, Fish and Game, Water Resources, Food and Agriculture, Conservation, Forestry and Fire Protection, and Transportation; California Air Resources Board; Ocean Protection Council; Board of Forestry; and the California Energy Commission.

Implementation

The strategy provides a set of recommendations to assist state decision makers in developing policies that promote resilience to climate change. These overall recommendations include:

1. Create a Climate Adaptation Advisory Panel to assess the biggest risks and possible solutions.
2. Alter the state’s water management by reducing water use by 20 percent by 2020, expanding storage for surface and groundwater, and improving water quality and water supplies.
3. Reduce new development in areas that may be especially vulnerable to flooding, wildfire, and erosion.
4. Prepare plans and guidance specific to public health, infrastructure, and habitats in relevant state agencies.
5. Identify vulnerable habitats and expand protected areas or alter land and water management efforts to minimize impacts.
6. Invest in expanded climate change research for planning and outreach.

Outcomes and Conclusions

The report will be updated every two years to account for any developments in the implementation of adaptation strategies and advances in climate science.

Citation

Gregg, R. M. (2010). California's Climate Change Adaptation Strategy [Case study on a project of California's State Agencies]. Product of EcoAdapt's State of Adaptation Program. Retrieved from CAKE: http://www.cakex.org/case-studies/californias-climate-change-adaptation… (Last updated March 2010)