Climate Change in California
Coastal communities in California are anticipating a climate change scenario in which temperatures will warm significantly during the 21st century, and thus expect an increase in the frequency, magnitude and duration of heat waves and sea level rise extremes. Sea level rise threatens coastal infrastructure and wetlands; increased storminess could lead to damaging floods and mudslides. Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is dissolving into the oceans, leading to increased ocean acidification. This has impacts on corals and shellfish. Water current patterns and temperatures are changing leading to shifts in species habitats and ranges.
These impacts pose substantial threats to coastal ecosystems and communities. As such, coastal Californians have recognized the need to plan for the impacts of climate change. USC Sea Grant is funding research and developing outreach products and education tools to understand the impact of climate change on the biology and chemistry of the ocean (climate change science). Similarly, we are working with local and state governments to help coastal managers adapt to the impacts of climate change (climate change adaptation).
Ongoing Research
- AdaptLA: Climate Change Adaptation Planning for a Coastal, Urban Metropolis
- CA Climate Change Adaptation Survey
- Climate Change in the Southern California Bight
- Perception of Sea Level Rise in Ventura County
Recent Outreach Workshops
- National Sea Grant Climate Network Workshop: Sharing our Successes and Challenges on the Path toward Climate Resilient Communities (March 12-14, 2013 held in Santa Monica, CA)
- Beyond Bathtub: Modeling and Responding to Sea Level Rise and Shoreline Change (Dec. 19th, to be held in Costa Mesa)
- Coastal Habitat Conservation in a Changing Climate: Strategies and tools for Southern California (Nov. 16-17, 2011, held in Costa Mesa, CA)
- Climate Change in the Southern California Bight (Oct. 16, held at USC, Los Angeles, CA)
- Adapting to Climate Change in Southern California (May 2, 2011, held in Redondo Beach, CA)
- Ocean Acidification Impacts on Shellfish (July 6-7, 2010 and 2011, Costa Mesa, CA)
Relevant Links
- Sea Grant Climate Network
- Case studies of CA-based climate adaptation activities
- California Current Acidification Network (C-CAN)
- Los Angeles Regional Collaborative on Climate Action and Sustainbility
- Links to highlighted CA relevant climate change resources
- Links to highlighted global climate change resources
- Reports on the Third Assessment from the California Climate Change Center
- Union of Concerned Scientists
- Preparing for Climate Change Impacts in Los Angeles: Strategies and Solutions for Protecting Local Communities (PDF)
- Check back with UCS (above) for soon to be released Spanish language version
Funding Opportunities
Click here to learn about funding opportunities through USC Sea GrantFor more information
Juliette Hart
jahart@usc.edu
213.740.1937
Alyssa Newton
agnewton@usc.edu
213.740.8602
National Focus Area
Healthy Coastal EcosystemsSustainable Community Development
Hazard Resilient Coastal Communities
Safe and Sustainable Seafood Supply
