Global Warming Impacts

Global Warming Threats to California

Global warming threatens California’s economy, public health and natural resources. California can’t afford to wait for someone else to solve global warming. Swift action is needed to avert the effects of global warming that California is already experiencing.

Scientists predict that average global temperatures will rise by about 3 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit over the next 100 years. One of the biggest effects of rising temperatures is a shrinking Sierra snow pack. Sierra snowmelt is the largest source of California’s drinking and irrigation water. Any disruption to our water supply means more droughts and less water for our cities and for farmers to grow their crops.

Higher temperatures also will increase air pollution. Smog and soot that forms from vehicle and power plant emissions pose a threat to public health, especially for children and seniors. An increased frequency of heat waves may increase the number of heat-related deaths and the incidence of heat-related illnesses.

Other effects include more frequent wildfires threatening our forests and our homes, rising sea levels encroaching upon our beloved coastline and soaring demand for electricity in hot weather, which would increase our utility costs.

Downloadable Information