posted on 2006-01-01, 00:00authored byMargaret Taylor, Edward RubinEdward Rubin, Gregory F. Nemet
Rising concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere have already caused
perceptible changes in climate and will lead to further climate change in the future
(Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2001). The impact of climate change in California
may be particularly significant in some areas: water resources, agriculture, and sensitive coastal
and forest ecosystems (Shaw 2002; Roos 2003; Hayhoe, Cayan et al. 2004). In turn, these
impacts could have serious repercussions for the economy and public health of the State, and for
California’s agricultural and recreation industries.