STAY COOL for Grandkids was pleased to co-host with San Diego Audubon an introduction to a recently published report on climate resilience planning and adaptation for the greater San Diego region.
Nothing is more critical to mitigating climate change than the drastic reduction of our greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, we find now we must also address how we will respond to climate change impacts that are already disrupting our communities.
The authors of the report presented scientific data and projections on the disruptive effects of climate change in our region, reviewed current planning protocols and resources and where climate resilience planning fits into these processes and discussed issues of environmental justice and equity in planning for climate resilience. The report also discusses the importance of employing climate resilience strategies that provide “co-benefits;” that is, those that will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
We concluded with examples of ongoing SD Audubon projects that are addressing climate resilience planning needs, and habitat conservation programs that are already being challenged by climate change effects.
You can click here to view the recording of this event.
Additional Links
- The report itself is available online from UCSD: Collaborative Planning for Climate Resilience.
- The California Adaptation Planning Guide can be found here: https://resilientca.org/apg/
- To learn more about the 2021 San Diego Regional Plan: https://www.sdforward.com/
- To find County Hazard Mitigation Plans, click here: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/oes/emergency_management/oes_jl_mitplan.html
Here are some of the remaining Q&As from the event:
Are the planning departments taking into consideration managing natural spaces with fire?
Answered by Andrew Meyer, San Diego Audubon 07:31 PM: There is some protection for existing blue carbon areas, but eelgrass areas are sometimes dredged, and there’s a lot of opportunities to restore these habitats–California has lost 90% of coastal wetlands! For Native American fire management being honored and learned from, I’ve heard of several good projects that are starting. Climate Science Alliance would be a good place to look for more info.
The timeframe of these changes are so rapid, how are flora and fauna adapting?
Answered by Julie Kalansky 06:48 PM: Some are adapting better than others. There is a lot of great information in this report summary. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UMzSuB1FRfaHIaFkAWDxgwumoB8C5z1B/view
What if anything is happening with the idea of recapture of rain water runoff (not rain barrels but surface runoff)?
Answered by Julie Kalansky 06:49 PM: I know the SD Airport has an active recapture project. I am not aware of other efforts currently, though that does not necessarily mean they are not happening.
Hasn’t experience shown that seawall, berms and sand replacement don’t work?
Answered by Julie Kalansky 06:45 PM: I think with all of these there are pros and cons. Having clear objectives and understanding the pros and cons is important to determine what is best in the near term. None of these are likely long-term solutions.
Who makes sure the targets identified in the plans are actually met? Is it up to citizens to bring legal challenges?
Answered by Bob Leiter: SANDAG has an annual performance monitoring report process, as does the City of SD.
