Climate Change

WhatMatters

Nowhere to run from climate change: ‘The horror is here’

First the bad news, from Monday’s report from the United Nations on climate change.  A global average temperature increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2040 is basically unavoidable at this point, according to hundreds of scientists on the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.  Linda Mearns, U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research scientist: “It’s just […]

By Ben Christopher • August 10, 2021

California Divide

Fresno ranked among top ‘urban heat islands’ in the US. Why that’s bad for public health

Fresno has one of the most intense urban heat islands in the country, according to a new report by the nonprofit news organization Climate Central.

By Melissa Montalvo • August 3, 2021

California Divide

These Bay Area neighborhoods are hit hardest by heat

By Jesse Bedayn • August 2, 2021

Commentary

Temporary use of phased-out power plants could help keep the lights on

The state water board is considering a two-year extension for ocean-cooled power plants that are due to be shut down. Given the effects of the climate crisis, legislators should support it.

By Guest Commentary • July 27, 2021

Commentary

Allowing elected officials to increase housing supply is democratic

To meaningfully address the intertwined problems of climate change, wildfire risk and housing affordability, land-use policies in California must change. Senate Bill 10 offers a sensible place to start.

By Guest Commentary • July 21, 2021

Commentary

Secure California’s future water supply and invest in recycled water

We can safely use recycled water to drink, irrigate parks, support environmental uses, grow crops and produce energy. The state should invest at least $500 million in local projects.

By Guest Commentary • July 19, 2021

Commentary

Push state to act fast and retake the lead on auto emissions

The climate crisis provides ample reason for the California Air Resources Board to strengthen measures to slash greenhouse gas pollution.

By Guest Commentary • July 15, 2021

Commentary

Californians will adapt to living with drought, as we always have

Managing droughts well requires extensive and organized preparation, which California sometimes lacks. Our losses will be greater if we manage poorly because of delay, complacency or panic.

By Guest Commentary • July 14, 2021

Commentary

State-mandated insurance in fire-hazard areas is a bad idea

California should invest in affordable housing near existing communities, not back unsustainable new development that has already been denied by the private insurance market.

By Guest Commentary • July 12, 2021

WhatMatters

A hot and dangerous weekend

Good morning, California. It’s Friday, July 9. Drought + heat + fire A trifecta of troubling conditions is set to collide in California over the weekend. First: drought. With the vast majority of the state gripped by extreme dryness, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday asked all Californians to voluntarily cut their water use by 15% […]

By Emily Hoeven • July 9, 2021