The Impact of Climate Change on Regional Systems

Climate scientists have determined that recent global temperature increases are due in large part to increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. Even if mitigation of these gases begins immediately, there is every reason to believe that climate change will continue to occur. Every region in the world ought to forecast, as the contributors do in this study of California (a region of broad variation and high population), how it will be affected by climate change and how it might best adapt. Models are used to estimate potential physical and biological impacts, efficient adaptations, and residual damages from climate change. An analysis of the region's terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity is provided and combined with a projection for future land development. The contributors cover a broad array of affected sectors, while also examining interactions with population, economic growth and technological change over the 21st century. In addition, they consider a wide range of climate change scenarios and examine the key sectors of energy and coastal resources. The level of geographical detail, along with the broad applicability of the modeling, methodology and conclusions, makes this a unique and valuable reference for environmental economists, scientists, planners and policymakers.