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We need to prepare for climate change that’s inevitable, says commentary

Posted by: Maven on December 18, 2008 at 8:03 am

From the San Jose Mercury News, this commentary by Louise Bedsworth & Ellen Hanak, both of the Public Policy Institute of California:

The state has taken historic steps to combat global warming. But even if our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are successful, there is growing scientific evidence that some climate change will nevertheless take place. We need to start preparing to adapt to this inevitability.

Globally, average surface temperature has increased dramatically since the mid-1970s, and the 10 warmest years on record have occurred since 1990. Over the last 50 years, California has experienced warmer winters, earlier spring runoff and lower snow accumulation in the lower and middle mountain elevations. Looking ahead, Californians can expect higher average temperatures, reduced water supplies and accelerated sea level rise. The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission has shown that one meter of sea level rise over the next 100 years would result in significant inundation of lands on San Francisco Bay, particularly in Silicon Valley. The magnitude of these changes depends on the success of our efforts to reduce emissions.

Climate change preparedness, or adaptation, means collective actions taken now that will help Californians cope with the effects of climate change. These can be individual, such as relocating away from the coast because the sea level may rise. But institutions must also play a key role in informing and protecting the public, investing our tax dollars and managing our resources.

Immediate actions are needed in areas where the absence of action will have very high costs or result in irreversible consequences. For example, making development decisions today that do not account for increasing risks of storm surges, flooding and wildfires could endanger valuable homes and infrastructure.

Read more from the San Jose Mercury News by clicking here.

December 18, 2008 · Filed Under Climate change & water supply

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