SYMP 17-1
Role of climate change science in mitigation and adaptation policy making in California
California has a strong commitment to supporting state-focused climate change research. While ongoing for now nearly two decades, this demand for regular updates on climate change science (as well as on state-level progress made on mitigation and adaptation/preparedness) is formally codified in an Executive Order, signed by then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, in 2006. Since then, the state has supported and completed three comprehensive climate change assessments and is currently embarking on its fourth. This paper presents evidence for how this climate change research and assessment activity has been influential in state policy-making on mitigation and adaptation. In doing so it provides an umbrella overview for subsequent papers in this session, focusing more specifically on recent efforts in linking science, policy and management practice.
Results/Conclusions
California is among the leading states in the nation in committing to emission reductions (mitigation) and, more recently, also to adaptation/preparedness. Among the most important policy innovations over the last 10-15 years are stringent vehicle emission standards, renewable energy standards, the California Global Warming Solutions Act, transportation/land use legislation, and innovative efforts in supporting regional and local adaptation planning and implementation. In addition to the motivating power of credible science per se, these policy efforts came about through active engagement of scientists with policy-makers, frequently mediated or facilitated by state agency or NGOs. Despite recent budget woes, programmatic shifts, and a need for further improvement in linking science with practice, climate change science has played an invaluable role in supporting local and state-level policy-making in the state. Now and moving forward, California's ongoing research and assessment activities are also linked and coordinated with the development of the sustained national climate assessment process, ensuring relevance beyond its state boundaries.