The NRDC says California's climate change challenges include rising sea levels; increased flooding and erosion; and more frequent, intense storms. But the report's author, Ben Chou, says the state's landmark greenhouse gas emission reduction law passed in 2006 puts California at the head of the pack - especially because of how that law is being implemented.
Chou: "They're integrating climate change into statewide and regional water planning; they're using sea level rise estimates into project development siting and design; they're moving aggressively on water efficiency targets; they're increasing recycled water and storm water use."
Still, the report finds California must work on coordinating all of its climate change responses among various state agencies - and give local and regional governments enough resources to do their own preparation as well.
