How is climate change affecting California?
This year started with catastrophic firestorms in Los Angeles, but Californians have long seen the intensifying impacts of climate change firsthand ¡ª hotter hots, drier dries, and stronger, more severe storms. These dangerous impacts are straining our communities and infrastructure across the state, with the most vulnerable Californians often on the front lines.
What action are you taking to address climate change?
California is proud to lead with one of the world¡¯s most established and successful cap-and-trade programs¡ªan approach that doesn¡¯t just reduce emissions, but reinvests in the communities that need it most. Since 2014, the program has driven over $11 billion in climate investments, with more than 75 percent of those dollars flowing directly into low-income and frontline communities. We¡¯re pairing that with bold clean energy goals, transforming the way we produce and consume power. It¡¯s not just policy¡ªit¡¯s proof that we can build our low-carbon, green growth future at scale.
What are the benefits? Why is it important?
California is showing that you don¡¯t have to choose between a strong economy and bold climate leadership. We¡¯re the world¡¯s fifth largest economy, and we¡¯ve grown while cutting carbon pollution and rapidly deploying clean energy. Our investments are improving air quality, creating jobs, and driving billions into the communities that need it most. The climate crisis is global, but progress starts locally¡ªand it starts with the courage to lead together.
