Collaboration needed to address climate adaptation

Senator Bob Wieckowski

Scientists believe California, which has experienced four years of drought, is heading toward a record El Nino this winter that could lead to more flash floods in a state recently ravaged by a series of wildfires.  Higher temperatures and extreme weather events are precursors of even more devastating patterns to come if progress is not achieved to address the serious impacts of climate change. 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency says every 2° F increase in global average temperature is expected to result in 200-400 percent increases in areas burned by wildfires, 5-15 percent reductions in crop yields and 3-10 percent increases in sudden rainfall.  

California is not unique in facing the threats posed by climate change.  Cities, states and nations around the globe face their own severe weather patterns that threaten their infrastructure, safety and economy.  

At the COP 21 UNFCCC in Paris, I have joined representatives from around the world at panel discussions describing actions taken on climate adaptation.   Climate adaptation panel topics include how to finance adaptation efforts, innovative decision-making tools to help build resilience, environmental justice, and collaboration between government and the private sector to support climate resilient developments, among other issues.

As chair of the California State Senate’s Environmental Quality Committee, I see collaboration as a vital part of a robust climate adaptation program.  This year, the EQ Committee held hearings in Sacramento, Oakland, Merced and Los Angeles to learn more about the regional adaptation efforts in California. Wildfires, floods, heat waves, rising sea levels, crop reductions and other events will have serious consequences on our state as a whole, and in local areas where the threats are more intense. 

Local representatives told the committee they need strong local-regional-state collaboration, up-to-date research and an alignment of policies and investments.  My bill, SB 246, signed by Governor Brown, meets many of these goals.  It emphasizes the efficient use of resources for creating a comprehensive, coordinated approach to adaptation planning, provides tools and information to communities, and creates an advisory council to give scientific and technical support and local perspectives. 

COP 21 is an opportunity for our global leaders to take bold action to confront climate change and put our planet on a sustainable path to the future.  It is also a rare chance to learn and collaborate with other leaders from nations across the world who are dealing with similar issues as California.  By sharing ideas and experiences, we can work together to promote and implement sensible climate adaptation policies that protect and preserve our health and safety.