blog post A Large California Water Utility Prepares for Climate Change By Sarah Bardeen Jun 27, 2022 How is one of the state’s major water utilities dealing with climate change? We talked to Ken Jenkins, Cal Water’s chief water resource sustainability officer, about his efforts to improve water supply resilience in the face of worsening droughts and other climate-related challenges.
blog post Video: Managing Water in a Changing Climate By Sarah Bardeen, Ashlyn Perri Oct 18, 2021 Climate change is stressing California’s water system, but strategic investments and improved water management practices could help us adapt.
blog post Heightened Concerns about Heat Waves and Flooding Due to Climate Change By Rachel Lawler Jul 26, 2023 Record-high numbers of Californians are registering strong concerns about heat waves and flooding, while an overwhelming majority believe climate change is contributing to extreme weather events.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and the Environment By Mark Baldassare, Dean Bonner, Rachel Lawler, Deja Thomas Jul 12, 2023 Key findings of the survey include: Most Californians think it is very important that the state take steps now to respond to climate change, though views vary across party lines. An overwhelming majority say that extreme weather events are a problem in their part of the state. A majority believe the use of electric vehicles helps address climate change; half have seriously considered getting one, and nearly one in ten have already done so.
blog post Californians and Climate Change By Mark Baldassare Aug 10, 2015 California likely voters’ strong support of AB 32—the 2006 law requiring reductions in greenhouse gas emissions—has barely budged, through good times and bad. Why?
Report Managing Drought in a Changing Climate: Four Essential Reforms By Jeffrey Mount, Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund, Paul Ullrich ... Sep 5, 2018 This report reviews climate pressures that are stressing the state’s water system, and describes reforms to help California prepare for greater extremes and growing water scarcity.
blog post Most Support California’s Leadership in Climate Change Policy By Rachel Lawler, Deja Thomas Nov 3, 2021 A majority of Californians believe that climate change has contributed to droughts and wildfires, and seven in ten value the state’s leadership on climate change.
Report Adapting California’s Water Management to Climate Change By Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund Nov 17, 2008 Among the potential impacts of climate change, accelerated sea level rise and a reduced Sierra snowpack are the most certain. Both will pose significant challenges for water supply and flood management. Water utilities have already begun to plan for these changes, but flood control agencies are lagging behind and face greater regulatory constraints. State leadership is needed to resolve some threats, including the risk of catastrophic failure in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This report was prepared as part of the Preparing California for a Changing Climate project.
blog post Educating the Judiciary on Water and Climate Change By Sarah Bardeen Aug 21, 2023 Justices Ron Robie and Stacy Boulware Eurie are spearheading an effort to educate California’s judiciary about climate change and water issues. We asked them why they’ve taken on this task—and what they hope to accomplish.
Report Adaptation of California’s Electricity Sector to Climate Change By Edward Vine Nov 17, 2008 Changes in the climate will likely result in increased electricity demand, mainly as a result of the increased use of air conditioning. At the same time, hydroelectric power—one of the key sources used to meet peak summertime demands—will be threatened by the declining Sierra Nevada snowpack. The electricity sector is already considering the impacts of climate change, but steps are needed to invest in research, development, and demonstration to improve system resiliency and develop conservation tools. This report was prepared as part of the Preparing California for a Changing Climate project.