Global Climate Change and California

As populations grow, as we find it more difficult to find open space in which to think through our own world view, moments of reflection become even more precious. Here are some observations that are worthy of reflection...
Global Change and California is a report in support of the 2005 Integratd Energy Policy Report. (Are we redundant yet? ;-)
A 2004 study by a team of leading California scientists, Climate Change in California: Choosing Our Future, predicts substantial increases in temperatures in both the summer and winter months as a result of climate change. Using scenarios of lower and higher future emissions, and state-of-the-art climate models, the authors report significant changes in California's natural resources could result, including:

• Rising sea levels along the California coastline, especially in San Francisco and the San Joaquin Delta.
  
• Extreme-heat conditions, such as heat waves and very high temperatures, which will last longer and become more commonplace.
  
• An increase in heat-related human deaths, infectious diseases and a higher risk of respiratory problems caused by deteriorating air quality.
  
• Reduced snow pack and stream flow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, affecting winter recreation and water supplies.
  
• Rising temperatures that can affect California agriculture, causing variations in crop quality and yield.
  
• Changes in the distribution of vegetation from projected increases in temperature and high fire risk.
  

How important are our individual contributions to change?
California has the sixth largest economy, and is the tenth largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHG), in the world. The primary source of these greenhouse gases is the combustion of fossil fuels in motor vehicles, power plants, refineries, and industrial facilities.

These changes in California's climate and ecosystems are occurring at a time when the state's population is projected to grow from 34 million people to 59 million by the year 2040. Population growth and the demand for vital natural resources will compound the effects of climate change on water resources, human health and the environment.
Artists are often visionaries -- and folk artists in the fields of literature, music, crafts and independent film -- are telling us that change is critical. With themes like simplicity, back to the land straegies, alternative housing, organic gardening, urban agriculture and recycled works of art and clothing -- the concept of living with less -- is coming through loud and clear.

Is the public listening to its sages? Will we put our feeling for family and friends into self-disciplined actions that reduce our own use of polluting materials and energy -- and replace those habits with new habits that better align with our personal values such as personal friendship, health, and participation in local community?

Will I?