Don’t let global warming hinder California’s climate goals

By V. John White | San Jose Mercury News Link to article

California has proudly led the world as an environmental pioneer and renewable energy champion. Sadly, this does not make us immune to the devastating effects of global warming. The deadly, climate-driven wildfires that have ravaged communities and rendered the state’s largest utility company bankrupt are now the biggest threat to our state meeting its climate goals.

The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, or Assembly Bill 32, was groundbreaking legislation that established the state’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change. Since then, the state has continued to progress policies that advance clean, renewable energy and climate solutions.

Yet, while our environmental policies have gotten stronger, so unfortunately has the severity and frequency of our wildfires. According to Cal Fire, nine of the 10 largest wildfires and eight of the 10 most destructive wildfires in the state’s history occurred between 2007 and 2018. And if climate change continues at its current pace, things will only get worse.

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