Global Warming's Impacts Can Already be Felt in California

Global warming is already costing California dearly. In addition to increasing natural disasters, hotter temperatures continue to reduce agricultural productivity and make crops vulnerable to new pests and pathogens. At present course, California can expect expansion of deserts, severe stress on large areas of forest, persistent coastal flooding, and increased risk to human health

Many of California's rare and unique species will not be able to adapt quickly enough to survive the climate changes. Increased temperatures will cause more smog and more storms that in turn carry acid rain and pollute our fresh water systems. Warmer ocean temperatures will result in loss of coastal fisheries and ocean productivity.

Other factors will likely exacerbate global warming's impact on the state. An urbanized landscape is less able to cope with a shifting climate. Heavy development in coastal areas puts more people in harm's way. Rapid loss of forestland depletes our carbon stores while further warming the climate.

What Is California Doing to Fight Global Warming?


Over the past 20 years California has developed strategies that have lead to tangible results in stemming

Eleven California municipalities, including Los Angeles and Santa Monica, have committed to set targets for emissions reductions. Among the highlights of L.A.'s efforts are the Department of Water and Power's clean energy program, which offers its 3.6 million customers the opportunity to purchase energy from renewable sources, and the Cool Schools program that has planted 4,000 trees on school campuses. On June 1, 1999 Santa Monica became the first city in the world to be powered by 100% renewable, geothermal energy. These programs save money while cutting air pollution and improving the quality of life for city residents.

Reducing Global Warming Pollution Will Provide Long Term Benefits for California's Environment and Economy

Global warming poses one of the most serious threats and offers one of the greatest opportunities for California in the next century. We can reduce global warming pollution by increasing the efficiency of motor vehicles, appliances and buildings. We can reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled by encouraging more compact development patterns and investing in mass transit. And we can conserve and restore our state's forests to better absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide that contributes to global warming.

The California Global Warming Campaign is working to move the state to combat global warming aggressively and to send a message to Congress that the entire country must do so. By developing the strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, California will also improve its competitive technological edge, build a sustainable economy, and protect its priceless environment.

the tide of global warming. California has made great strides in reducing air pollution with its toughest-in-the-nation clean air standards.