Key Impact Points:

• Historic Investment: $10 billion climate resilience bond proposed for California’s November ballot.
• Focus on Vulnerability: Prioritizes communities and natural resources most affected by climate change.
• Comprehensive Solutions: Enhances water quality, flood protection, wildfire resilience, and renewable energy projects.

In California, climate change hits hardest in the most vulnerable communities. A new $10 billion climate resilience bond on the November 2024 ballot aims to change that, marking the largest voter-approved climate investment in U.S. history. Over 180 organizations, including The Pew Charitable Trusts, back this initiative.

Elle Chen, legislative director of the Asian Pacific Environmental Network, stated, “Our working-class communities of color are currently living through intensifying climate emergencies and compounding structural inequities.”

Why It Matters:

• Immediate Action Needed: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that without prompt investment, adaptation options will become more expensive and less effective.
• Economic Impact: Since 1980, California has faced 46 extreme weather events, each causing at least $1 billion in damage (NOAA).
• Community Protection: Protecting the Bay Area from sea-level rise alone could cost $110 billion, highlighting the urgency and scale of needed investments.
• California Climate Assessment: Highlights increased threats to lands, waters, and dependent communities.

Related Article: California Faces Uphill Battle to Meet Ambitious 2030 Climate Goals Despite Progress in Key Sectors

Key Proposals:

• Increase access to safe drinking water and enhance flood protection.
• Improve wildfire prevention and forest health.
• Restore wetlands, reintroduce salmon, and improve habitat connectivity.
• Boost community resilience to extreme heat events.
• Protect and restore coastal and tidal habitats.
• Incentivize farmers and ranchers to improve soil health and carbon sequestration.
• Expand the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program for air quality and renewable energy projects.

Call to Action:
“The time is now. Later is too late.” Polls show Californians support protecting their state and are willing to pay for it. The California Legislature has until June 27 to pass the legislation, ensuring this crucial bond measure reaches the November ballot.

This proposal represents a significant step towards protecting both people and nature from the escalating impacts of climate change.