Even if we could change to clean energy overnight, the greenhouse emissions in the atmosphere have climbed so high that we need to be prepared now for the impacts of climate change.
Preparing for climate change (also called adaptation) includes reducing our vulnerability to risks and increasing our resilience to specific climate change hazards.
In California we need to be prepared for:
Preparing for climate change (also called adaptation) includes reducing our vulnerability to risks and increasing our resilience to specific climate change hazards.
In California we need to be prepared for:
- Higher temperatures and longer heat waves.
- Air pollution.
- Sea level rise.
- Extreme storms and flooding.
- Less snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains (where 75% of our water comes from) and a possible multi-year drought.
- Changes in infectious diseases and vector-borne diseases.
Preparing for higher temperatures and air pollution
- Make your home more energy efficient. Plugging and sealing of air leaks can save you 25 to 40 % on your heating and cooling bills.
- Reduce outdoor heat in your community by creating cooling zones. Ask your local government if there are cooling centers, their location and hours on hot days, and if your city does not have any, request they start planning to create them.
- Plant trees and add green spaces in your community; this can lower the temperature and prevent heat illness and death. Trees trap pollution, help to cool the temperature, and reduce stress.
- Check on your neighbors and make sure they have a way to stay cool. This is especially important for pregnant women, infants, young children and the elderly.
- Dress kids appropriately (hat, long sleeves) and use sunscreen and make sure everybody drinks plenty of water.
- Schedule outdoor activities wisely. Plan exercising, outdoor work and recreation for the cooler hours of the day and evening.
Preparing for changes in infectious and vector-borne diseases
Prevent insects and mosquitoes infestations by:
- Draining standing water near your house, yard, or garden.
- Putting mosquito fish in ponds; and
- Maintaining pools and fountains.
Preparing for sea-level rise and floodings
Preparing for extreme weather events
- To prepare for extreme weather event like storms:
- Prepare your home: check and fix any leaks and remove tree branches near your home.
- Build an emergency kit: store enough to provide your family with basic needs for five days, including non-perishable food, water, prescription medicines, and pet supplies. Find out how to prepare for emergencies and natural disasters.
- Make an evacuation plan for your family.
Preparing for droughts and wildfires
- Change your lawns and gardens to native and drought-tolerant plants.
- Install water-saving faucets in your home, take shorter showers, fix leaks and conserve water by turning off the hose or faucet completely.
- To avoid the smoke from wildfires, stay indoors, as much as possible until the air clears.
- Make sure people with asthma or other respiratory conditions have clean air and are protected from the smoke. Find out the quality of your outdoor air.