Category: CALIFORNIA_KEY

California is the most populous state in the nation, has the largest economy, and is second only to Texas in total energy consumption. California also has the world’s fifth-largest economy and leads the nation in both agricultural and manufacturing gross domestic product (GDP). Despite California’s many energy-intensive industries, the state has one of the lowest per capita energy consumption levels in the United States.

The searchable Energy Storage Legislation Database displays information in interactive maps and charts, tracking state activity from 2017 to the present.

The National Conference of State Legislatures tracks environment and natural resources bills that have been introduced in the 50 states, territories and Washington, D.C.

California, the most populous and third largest state, has a diverse climate. The deserts in the south are some of the hottest and driest areas of the United States, while higher elevations can experience low temperatures and heavy snowfall. The North Pacific High, a semi-permanent high pressure system off the Pacific Coast, and the mid-latitude jet stream play dominating roles in California’s seasonal precipitation patterns.

In California, climate change is a threat to systems and people across the state. The impacts to our environment and health are worsening as we experience longer and more frequent droughts, devastating wildfires, and more. Each of us has a role to play. You can take meaningful action today to help communities across our state.

The frequency of natural disasters has soared in recent decades. Total damage topped $210 billion worldwide in 2020. With climate change, the costs attributed to coastal storms will increase dramatically.

At the same time, coastal habitats such as wetlands and reefs are being lost rapidly. Some 20% of the world’s mangroves were lost over the last four decades. More than half of the Great Barrier Reef was degraded by bleaching in 2020 alone. In California, we have lost more than 90% of our coastal marshes.

The First Street Foundation Flood Model represents the culmination of decades of research and development made possible by building upon existing knowledge and frameworks regularly referenced in the identification of flood risk.

Between 2017 and 2019, California experienced three wildfires, one drought, one flood, and one severe storm. The damages of each event led to losses of at least $1 billion.

California Department of Insurance; In an effort to assist victims of these devastating fires, DOI works closely with other federal, state and local agencies to assist in recovery issues related to insurance. Californians should work with their agent, insurer claims adjuster, and insurer with a goal of achieving a settlement that they believe is fair and consistent with their coverage. For questions about insurance or a dispute with an insurer, please contact DOI at 1-800-927-4357.

California is vulnerable to increasing heat, melting snowpack, droughts, sea level rise and wildfires