Long in the lead among states in addressing climate change, California yesterday released what is calling a “multi-sector strategy” for adapting to climate changes already underway.
The 200 page document –2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy–may be more than most people want to tackle, but a nine-page executive summary highlights key recommendations. Of particular interest to conservationists will be this one:
Using existing research the state should identify key California land and aquatic habitats that could change significantly during this century due to climate change. Based on this identification, the state should develop a plan for expanding existing protected areas or altering land and water management practices to minimize adverse effects from climate change induced phenomena.
Other recommendations deal with water management, public health, planning, and regulation of development in areas that will be most impacted by climate changes.
As related on Bright Green blog of The Christian Science Monitor, Governor Schwarzenegger’s release of the report in San Francisco coincided with the unveiling of Google’s new mapping tool that allows users to view where sea levels could rise and wildfires might worsen in California due to global warming.
TPL’s own climate program includes adaptation conservation a key strategy.
Tags: California, climate
