Nov 19 2008

Fighting Climate Change, Readying California

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) yesterday released a new report on California's readiness to deal with the impact of climate change.

Moving quickly from studies on how to address and help slow the effects of climate change, to actually preparing ourselves against those effects, it feels like we are now staring climate change square in the face -- a chilling thought.

The report examines California's readiness to face the challenges presented by climate change in six particularly vulnerable areas -- water resources, electricity, coastal resources, air quality, public health and ecosystem resources. According to the study, many aspects of the state's society, economy and natural environment are vulnerable to the impact of climate change.

The PPIC report finds that institutions such as power utilities have a significant role investing in and managing those resources that can help potentially vulnerable populations adapt (e.g. tools for staying cool and hydrated). Since the 2001 energy crisis, utilities have worked to improve reliability, reduce load during peak periods and add renewables. As California's population and sea level continue to rise, such measures will only become more important.

In order to face these challenges head on, the PPIC recommends that California policymakers implement policies that seek to both slow climate change and protect against its effects at the same time. PG&E will continue our work alongside these policymakers and others to help fight climate change -- and help the state mitigate its effects.

Posted by: Katie Romans | Comments (0) digg delicioussend to a friendprint entry

 

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Climate Change

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  • This is being rather generous to Lutz. 1. The "Volt", in no small part, will be targeted as a product to people who care about energy and environmental issues. These people don't embrace Lutz' antideluvian concepts of rejecting science. How responsible is it for a GM executive to be rejecting the science? 2. As well, Lutz didn't exactly sound too enthusiastic about the Volt itself. 3. And, GM public communications has 'defended' Lutz in rather absurd ways. -A Siegel
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  • This article is right on - small businesses have a huge role to play in sustainability. Not only do they add up in aggregate, but many small businesses operate in industries that can have a significant environmental impact depending on the exact practices, like dry cleaners, auto repair shops, etc. Green is also starting to affect the bottom line more and more, customers are increasingly voting with their feet for more sustainable businesses as can be seen from the growth of sites like http://www.ecovian.com. This is also a huge opportunity for small businesses to leapfrog their bigger brothers by being more agile in adopting these measures. -Emily
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  • Great entry, Katie. Love the level of detail you managed to get in there! Probably won't be able to compete with coal and oil any time the next decade, but definitely a great technology to look into! Keep it up :) -Rune (Norway)
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