The impacts of climate change in California

Whether you believe in Climate change or not, the truth is things aren’t the same as they once were. Winters are warmer, sea levels are rising and animals and plants are changing their biological cycles. California is no exception and in the past century alone, the coastlines of this beautiful state have risen nearly 8 inches. By the end of the century, we can expect a rise by as much as 20-55 inches and with 85% of California’s population living and working by the coast the effects could be devastating. A 55 inch sea level rise could put nearly half a million people at risk of flooding, homeless and cost hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure damage. 

California’s ocean-dependent economy is estimated to be over $40 billion per year and coastal erosion could negatively impact tourist destinations. The rise in sea levels can also cause saltwater contamination of the State’s Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta of which 20 million Californians and natural wildlife depend on for drinking water. 

However, rising sea levels are not the only concern in California. Below is a list of the top 5 impacts of climate change in California which shows us why we need to start taking action today.

1. Loss of habitats and ecosystems. California has the highest number of unique plant and animal species in the United States and is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world. The State’s ability to continue to support such varied ecosystems will suffer greatly as clean water and wildlife become a scarcity.

2. Damaged agriculture industry. California’s agriculture industry is intricately dependent upon weather conditions. As droughts become a common occurrence, temperatures increase and waters suffer salt contamination, the consequences can be dire. These changes pose a very serious threat to a State which is the number one American State in annual crop cash receipts. A negatively impacted agricultural industry could easily lead to food shortages and higher food prices.

3. Higher risk of fire. Over 80% of California’s 100 million acres are covered by forest and rangelands. Increased temperatures make forests more vulnerable to fires and can affect the survival and ability of trees to grow and reproduce. Fire seasons are starting earlier and lasting longer than they did a few decades ago and the damage caused in a single fire can take hundreds of years to recover, not to mention the costs in damage and emergency response.

4. Losses to the Sierra snowpack

The Sierra Nevada snowpack is the most important natural water reservoir in California. Higher temperatures are causing the snow to melt earlier and in a short span of time. The snowpack is already below normal averages compared to previous years and when it does melt, the dams and water storage facilities of California are not designed to handle large releases of water at once increasing the risk of floods. 

5. Health impacts

Already as it is, California experiences the worst air quality in the nation. As temperatures rise so too does smog which brings with it a number of secondary health issues including lung damage, asthma and respiratory and heart disease with the elderly and infants being most at risk. Intense heatwaves will become more frequent and could even become annual occurrences.

California has long been at the forefront of environmental issues and the State’s sheer population makes it an ideal place to implement tangible solutions which can positively influence the lives of Californians and generations to come. 

Now is the best time to take action and there are many ways for us to make a difference. For useful tips of eco-friendly changes you can make, be sure to check out our post on 6 Ways to turn your small businesses more green.