Climate Change

As heat waves become longer and hotter, vulnerable people need cooling immediately. Longer-term interventions must focus on adding shade and changing how buildings are built and land is used. California needs to coordinate these efforts.

As the largest wildfire of the year rages across California, Gov. Gavin Newsom is doubling down on an aggressive strategy to combat climate change — one that also appears to involve boosting his national profile. Newsom on Saturday proclaimed a state of emergency in Mariposa County due to the Oak Fire near Yosemite National Park, […]

We must bolster drought resilience, and that starts with all Californians being “water wise” — understanding where water comes from and what they can do to preserve this precious resource.

The state budget has dedicated enough money to start turning the Dos Rios Ranch Reserve in Stanislaus County into a state park. Floodplain restoration will create green jobs, flood control, groundwater recharge and much-needed recreational space for San Joaquin Valley residents.

State and federal water managers have drawn down California reservoirs rapidly over the past three years, leaving water in short supply. Why? To provide water to a small subset of commercial growers.

An outsized source of greenhouse gases, California cement companies are trying creative climate solutions to meet mandates. But they are seeking state help.

A Bay Area train derailing from tracks overheated by an early-summer heat wave, sending at least one person to the hospital. Lightning strikes killing a woman and her two dogs in Southern California and injuring a man pushing a baby stroller in Kern County. A wildfire causing PG&E power outages so persistent that Stanford University […]

Environmentalists and clean-energy experts say Newsom is pushing to give the Energy Commission sole control over siting of energy plants, usurping local control. The deal also would prolong the life of natural gas plants.

Hundreds of people lined up today to voice concerns about California’s sweeping new climate strategy at a public hearing. Without massive investments in clean energy, air board officials warned that more fossil fuels will be needed to power electric cars and ensure a reliable power grid.

California needs to make Stockton and San Joaquin Valley flood investments a priority — especially during a drought. Building flood management projects takes years. If we don’t start now, we may not be ready when the next big flood arrives.