How will changes in global climate influence California?

Abstract

In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its fourth assessment reports summarizing recent global climate change and projections for the next century. This article reviews the basics of climate science and modeling, highlights the conclusions of the IPCC report, and identifies the wellunderstood aspects of climate change that will be important for California agriculture and society as a whole. Predicted impacts to California include increased flooding and reduced water availability, higher sea levels, worse air pollution and fewer chilling hours for important crops.