California’s Water: Climate Change and Water
Summary
California’s climate is warming and becoming more variable. While the state is a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, its water system was designed for a 20th century climate. All facets of water management must be updated to adapt to changing conditions. This brief summarizes strategies to help the state prepare for a changing climate and rising sea level.
This publication is part of a briefing kit that summarizes 13 of the state’s most pressing water management issues.
This series is supported with funding from the following sponsors:
Almond Board of California
American Rivers
Association of California Water Agencies
California American Water
California Trout
California Urban Water Agencies
California Water Service
The Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell Foundation
Driscoll’s
Environmental Defense Fund
Friant Water Authority
Golden State Water Company
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Mojave Water Agency
Morgan Family Foundation
The Nature Conservancy
Northern California Water Association
Rosenberg Ach Foundation
S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
State Water Contractors
Sustainable Conservation
Walton Family Foundation
Water Foundation
Western Growers
The Wonderful Company
A Wish List for Water Collaboration with the Biden‒Harris Administration
Growing Damages from Wildfires Burn the Insurance Industry
Fighting Sea Level Rise the Natural Way
Groundwater Management is Key to Adapting to Climate Change
How “Weather Whiplash” Could Change California
Adapting to an Uncertain Water Future
Testimony: Planning for Future Droughts
Make California’s Water Grid Climate-Ready
Video: Managing Drought in a Changing Climate
California’s Snow Drought
A Dry Run for a Dry Future
A Weatherman Explains California’s Volatile Climate
Hurricanes Are Getting Worse. California Should Take Note
Yesterday’s Dams Face Tomorrow’s Floods