blog post Video: Managing Wastewater in a Changing Climate By Lori Pottinger Apr 24, 2019 California’s wastewater sector is at a turning point as climate change increases the risks of water scarcity. PPIC researchers and a panel of experts explore how the sector can adapt to a more volatile future.
Report California’s Water: Climate Change and Water By Ellen Hanak, Jay Lund, Jeffrey Mount, Robert Wilkinson ... Nov 12, 2018 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.
Report Climate Change in California: Scenarios for Adaptation By Amy Luers, Michael D. Mastrandrea Nov 17, 2008 This report reviews the most recent assessments of the potential impacts of climate change in California, including sea level rise, higher air and water temperatures, reduced Sierra Nevada snowpack and changes in runoff patterns, and an increase in the frequency of extreme events such as droughts and floods. Resource managers, regional planners, and government agencies need to consider climate change in their planning, both to respond to long-term changes in the climate and to the occurrence of extreme events. This report was prepared as part of the Preparing California for a Changing Climate project.
event Seizing the Drought: Water Priorities for Our Changing Climate Nov 15, 2021 The PPIC Water Policy Center will convene a diverse group of experts to discuss how to tackle the highly disruptive effects of climate change on our water system. It’s clear that we must step up our game to cope with the increasingly severe, warm droughts that are coming our way. This year’s conference will identify immediate actions we can take to boost the state’s resilience.
event Managing Drought in a Changing Climate Sep 10, 2018 Managing water—whether too much or too little—is at the forefront of climate change adaptation in California. Droughts bring major social, economic, and environmental impacts, and will continue to shape water management and policies into the future. New research from PPIC melds lessons learned from the recent drought with climate change simulations to review California’s capacity to adapt and prepare for greater extremes and growing water scarcity.
blog post Californians Support Actions to Address Climate Change By Alyssa Dykman, Alvar Escriva-Bou Sep 23, 2019 Strong majorities of residents favor the key strategies that state policymakers have taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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.
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.
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.