Decoding the science

Climate modeling helps us understand what the future may look like based on our actions, or lack of actions. This lively explanation what's measured, and how models have become more reliable over time. Note: Later in the video presentation some content about extreme climate events may be troubling to sensitive viewers. 

To understand the effects of climate change, one needs to understand the ecosystem as a baseline. There are only a handful of mediterranean-climates ecosystems in the world. And they all occur on the west coast of continents. The video below explains why California's coast is one.

Climate Change in California and What's Happening Now

Use this link to access the California State Climate Summaries 2022.
The key messages are:

• Temperatures in California have risen almost 3°F since the beginning of the 20th century.
  The six warmest years on record have all occurred since 2014. Under a higher emissions
  pathway, historically unprecedented warming is projected during this century.
  
• California snowpack plays a critical role in water supply and flood risk. Projected earlier
  melting of the snowpack due to rising temperatures could have substantial negative
  impacts on water-dependent sectors and ecosystems.
  
• Global sea level is projected to rise, with a likely range of 1–4 feet by 2100. This will increase coastal flooding and impact management of water supplies and transportation.