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California History

18.3 Climate change impacts and mitigation efforts

5 min readLast Updated on July 22, 2024

California's climate is changing rapidly, affecting ecosystems, water resources, and agriculture. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and sea level rise are causing shifts in species distribution, increased wildfire risk, and coastal habitat loss. These changes impact everything from Monarch butterflies to the San Francisco Bay.

Water scarcity is a growing concern, with reduced snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains affecting water availability. Agriculture faces challenges like reduced crop yields and increased pest pressure. The state is responding with ambitious emission reduction goals and adaptation strategies to address these far-reaching impacts.

Climate Change Impacts on California

Impacts of climate change in California

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  • Ecosystems
    • Increased temperatures and altered precipitation patterns lead to:
      • Shifts in species distribution and habitat ranges (migration of plants and animals to higher elevations or latitudes)
      • Increased risk of wildfires due to drier conditions and more frequent heatwaves (Mendocino Complex Fire, Camp Fire)
      • Changes in plant and animal phenology, such as earlier spring blooming and migration (Monarch butterflies)
    • Sea level rise causes:
      • Coastal habitat loss and degradation, particularly for tidal marshes and beaches (San Francisco Bay)
      • Saltwater intrusion into freshwater systems, affecting water quality and aquatic species (Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta)
  • Water resources
    • Reduced snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains results in:
      • Earlier spring snowmelt and reduced summer streamflow, impacting water availability (Tuolumne River)
      • Increased water scarcity and competition among users, particularly agriculture and urban areas (Central Valley)
    • More frequent and intense droughts lead to:
      • Reduced groundwater recharge, depleting aquifers and causing land subsidence (San Joaquin Valley)
      • Increased reliance on groundwater extraction, exacerbating water quality issues and costs (Salinas Valley)
  • Agriculture
    • Changes in crop yields and quality due to:
      • Reduced yields for some crops due to heat stress and water scarcity (almonds, wine grapes)
      • Shifts in suitable growing regions for certain crops, requiring adaptation or relocation (avocados, citrus)
    • Increased pest and disease pressure from:
      • Expanded ranges and survival of agricultural pests, such as invasive insects and weeds (Asian citrus psyllid)
      • Emergence of new crop diseases favored by changing climate conditions (powdery mildew on grapes)
    • Increased irrigation demands and costs resulting from:
      • Higher water prices and reduced availability, particularly during droughts (Westlands Water District)
      • Need for more efficient irrigation technologies and practices, such as drip irrigation and precision agriculture (Salinas Valley)

Climate Change Mitigation Efforts in California

Greenhouse gases and emission reduction

  • Greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of anthropogenic climate change, including:
    • Carbon dioxide (CO2) from fossil fuel combustion and deforestation (transportation, electricity generation)
    • Methane (CH4) from agriculture, landfills, and oil and gas production (dairy farms, waste management)
    • Nitrous oxide (N2O) from agricultural soil management and industrial processes (fertilizer use, cement production)
  • California's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions include:
    • Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32), which:
      • Requires reduction of statewide GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 (achieved in 2016)
      • Establishes cap-and-trade program for major emission sources, creating market incentives for reduction (power plants, refineries)
    • Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which:
      • Mandates increased use of renewable energy sources for electricity generation (solar, wind, geothermal)
      • Targets 60% renewable electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2045, reducing reliance on fossil fuels (SB 100)
    • Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), which:
      • Reduces carbon intensity of transportation fuels by 20% by 2030 (ethanol, biodiesel)
      • Encourages adoption of alternative fuels and electric vehicles, reducing tailpipe emissions (hydrogen fuel cells, battery electric vehicles)

Effectiveness of climate policies

  • Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) has been successful in:
    • Meeting 2020 emission reduction target ahead of schedule (statewide GHG emissions reduced to below 1990 levels)
    • Generating billions in revenue for climate investments through the cap-and-trade program (affordable housing, clean transportation)
  • Criticisms and challenges of AB 32 include:
    • Concerns about economic impacts and job losses, particularly in energy-intensive industries (manufacturing, agriculture)
    • Potential leakage of emissions to other states or countries with less stringent regulations (carbon border adjustments)
  • Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) has made significant progress in:
    • Increasing renewable energy use, with renewable sources accounting for over 30% of California's electricity mix (solar, wind)
    • Reducing GHG emissions from the electricity sector, contributing to overall emission reductions (Diablo Canyon nuclear plant closure)
  • Challenges and limitations of RPS include:
    • Integration of variable renewable sources into the grid, requiring energy storage and demand response (lithium-ion batteries, smart meters)
    • Transmission infrastructure constraints, limiting the ability to transport renewable energy to high-demand areas (Sunrise Powerlink)
    • Higher electricity costs for consumers, as renewable energy technologies may be more expensive than fossil fuels (rooftop solar incentives)

Adaptation strategies for climate impacts

  • Importance of adaptation:
    • Climate change impacts are already occurring and will continue, even with mitigation efforts (sea level rise, heatwaves)
    • Proactive adaptation can reduce long-term costs and damages by investing in measures now to prevent more expensive impacts later (flood control infrastructure)
    • Adaptation can provide co-benefits such as improved public health and ecosystem services (urban green spaces, wetland restoration)
  • Water conservation strategies include:
    • Improving water use efficiency through:
      1. Promoting water-saving technologies and practices in agriculture and urban areas (drip irrigation, low-flow fixtures)
      2. Implementing tiered water pricing to encourage conservation (increasing block rates)
    • Diversifying water supply sources by:
      1. Expanding use of recycled water and stormwater capture (Orange County Water District)
      2. Investing in desalination plants for coastal communities (Carlsbad Desalination Plant)
    • Managing groundwater through:
      1. Implementing the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) to prevent overdraft and ensure long-term sustainability (Mojave Desert)
      2. Promoting groundwater banking and conjunctive use to store water during wet periods for use during droughts (Kern Water Bank)
  • Coastal resilience planning involves:
    • Conducting sea level rise vulnerability assessments to:
      1. Identify at-risk communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems (San Francisco International Airport)
      2. Prioritize adaptation actions based on risk and feasibility (managed retreat, shoreline protection)
    • Implementing nature-based solutions such as:
      1. Restoring and protecting coastal wetlands and dunes to buffer against storm surges and erosion (Tijuana River Estuary)
      2. Creating living shorelines and oyster reefs for shoreline stabilization and habitat enhancement (San Francisco Bay)
    • Developing plans for managed retreat and relocation, including:
      1. Strategic relocation of vulnerable structures and communities to safer areas (Surfers Point, Ventura)
      2. Acquiring and preserving coastal land for habitat migration and buffer zones (Ormond Beach, Oxnard)

Term 1 of 35

Asian Citrus Psyllid
See definition

The Asian citrus psyllid is a small insect that feeds on the leaves and stems of citrus plants, acting as a vector for the bacteria that cause Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease. This pest poses a significant threat to California's citrus industry and is closely linked to the broader issues of climate change, which can influence pest populations and disease spread.

Key Terms to Review (35)

Term 1 of 35

Asian Citrus Psyllid
See definition

The Asian citrus psyllid is a small insect that feeds on the leaves and stems of citrus plants, acting as a vector for the bacteria that cause Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease. This pest poses a significant threat to California's citrus industry and is closely linked to the broader issues of climate change, which can influence pest populations and disease spread.

© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Term 1 of 35

Asian Citrus Psyllid
See definition

The Asian citrus psyllid is a small insect that feeds on the leaves and stems of citrus plants, acting as a vector for the bacteria that cause Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease. This pest poses a significant threat to California's citrus industry and is closely linked to the broader issues of climate change, which can influence pest populations and disease spread.



© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
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