Abstract

California has long been a leader in addressing and understanding climate change, from setting globally ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals, to committed investments in actionable climate science, to investing in place-based, community driven solutions. As one of the most climate stressed places in the world, California experiences profound and varied impacts across the state’s vast expanse. As a result, it is paramount that policymakers address the state’s vulnerability to climate change while also equitably transitioning to a carbon neutral economy.

The Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program (ICARP), established through Senate Bill 246 (2016; Wieckowski), is a critical tool in California’s strategy and leadership on climate adaptation and resilience. ICARP is charged with developing a cohesive and holistic response to the impacts of climate change by coordinating state and local adaptation efforts to expeditiously advance implementation. Through the enabling legislation, ICARP is centrally focused on efforts that advance climate equity and support integrated climate strategies, or those strategies that benefit both greenhouse gas reductions and adaptation.

The following report highlights some of the accomplishments of ICARP since its launch in 2017, and outlines recommended programmatic next steps to advance California’s leadership on adaptation, resilience, and integrated climate action. To do so, the report touches on ongoing and emerging opportunities, challenges, gaps, and risks, and explores the work ahead for ICARP to best respond to the unique realities present in California. The intent of this report – and the work of ICARP – is to motivate and inspire action under challenging and complex circumstances.