Tag Archive for: Climate Change

Opinion: California Needs More Clean Power – in Vast Quantities

/in , /by /CalMattersby Danielle Osborn Mills

As Gov. Gavin Newsom prepares to share California’s climate progress (which he now plans to do virtually) with world leaders at the UN Climate Change Conference, he has been making high-profile announcements about California’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable economy – from phasing out fossil fuels and banning gas-powered cars to defending coastal communities from rising sea-levels.

All these accomplishments, though, overlook one important thing: There is only one way our state is going to transition to a clean, green economy while keeping the lights on, energy costs reasonable and ensuring tens of thousands of skilled energy workers have access to reliable, well-paying jobs. California needs more clean power, in vast new quantities.

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Opinion: Global Leaders Lag California, San Diego Officials on Climate Action

/in , , /by /The San Diego Union-Tribuneby Michael Smolens

The city and county of San Diego are doing something the United States and most of the world’s most powerful nations have not: committing to net zero carbon emissions by 2035. That’s the same year Gov. Gavin Newsom’s ban on gas-powered automobiles sales in California fully kicks in. The governor also has taken action to prohibit new permits for fracking and greatly restricting where new oil and gas drilling can take place. Those are things the U.S. and many big countries have not done, either.

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Opinion: California Must Act Urgently on Climate

/in , , /by /CalMattersby Mike Young

A delegation of 15 state lawmakers is joining a conference of world leaders in Scotland to discuss climate change solutions. As leaders of the world’s 5th largest economy, their participation is important, but it’s more urgent for them to act once they return.

The latest research reveals California’s climate crisis overwhelms policies to stop it, and our low-income communities, communities of color and seniors face the most harm. If unchecked, this mismatch will undo decades of work Californians have dedicated to preserve a healthy environment and build an equal society.

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These Small Fresno County Farmers Are Struggling to Get Water From Their Wells Amid the Drought

/in , /by /Valley Public Radioby Madi Bolanos

June Moua started growing cherries, tomatoes and grapes in east Fresno County 10 years ago. Now she grows a few different types of crops. But her most profitable are the water-intensive Asian greens like mustard greens and bok choy.

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Opinion: Conservation Is Critical During Drought, but Not the Only Solution

/in , /by /ACWAby Steve Lamar and Sean Bigley

Gov. Gavin Newsom has extended the drought emergency statewide and called on all Californians to redouble their efforts to conserve water. His call to action is critical even with the storms that recently soaked California, because we know that a lot more rain and snow will be needed to lift the state out of the drought.

The Governor’s approach to statewide conservation is laudable, as well, because it continues to empower water managers with matching local water supply conditions with conservation, rather than relying on statewide mandates. While conservation is a critical tool for saving water during a drought, it is only one of many actions that must be taken to address drought. Investing in water infrastructure and the ability of local water managers to diversify supplies are also essential to building climate resilience throughout the state.

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Water Authority Activates Water Shortage Contingency Plan

/in , , /by /Water News Network Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

The San Diego County Water Authority today activated Level 1 – Voluntary Conservation of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan in support of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s efforts to sustain California after two record-dry years. The agency’s 36-member Board of Directors voted unanimously to activate the regional drought response plan for the third time this century.

The San Diego region continues to have reliable water supplies due to decades of conservation efforts and ratepayer investments. However, Water Authority Board Chair Gary Croucher said San Diegans should increase their conservation efforts in the face of a potential third dry year across California.

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Opinion: California Should Create More Water – Much More

/in , /by /CalMattersby Jim Wunderman

Wouldn’t you know it? Just like washing your car, almost the moment I finished writing this article, the skies opened up.

I’d write one every day if it meant ending our water woes. But it tells you everything you need to know about California’s dire water situation – that the atmospheric river that recently pummeled Northern California and other parts of the state doesn’t even begin to make a dent in our drought.

And it highlights the urgency for California to create more water. Much more.

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San Diego Leaders Unveil ‘Our Climate, Our Future’ Initiative

/in , , /by /Times of San Diegoby Debbie L. Sklar

Mayor Todd Gloria and other civic leaders Wednesday unveiled the “Our Climate, Our Future” initiative, intended to address climate change, improve San Diego’s public health and quality of life and increase innovation in the economy.

“Our vision is for San Diego to be a global leader on inclusive climate action and Our Climate, Our Future is an invitation to join in building that vision,” Gloria said.

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SD County Water Authority to Implement Water Shortage Contingency Plan

/in , , /by /KUSI-TV by KUSI News Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

The San Diego County Water Authority is working in support of state efforts to conserve water after two record-dry years in California.

Senior Water Resources Specialist Goldy Herbon discussed the water shortage contingency plan with KUSI’s Paul Rudy.

 

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Sacramento Went From Record Drought to Record Rain. Climate Change May Make That More Common.

/in , , /by /Cap Radioby Manola Secaira

Residents of the Sacramento area have been on a meteorological seesaw this past week: After 212 days without rain, the area saw precipitation again — which, this weekend, turned into an all-out rainstorm.

Already, the rainfall this weekend broke records: The area got more than half of the rain it had all of the last wet season, which was particularly dry, in a single storm.

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