Heat records are being broken, glaciers are melting, and the seas are rising. We have reached a point where no matter what we do, we cannot avoid a very different climate future. We must act now to prevent truly catastrophic consequences. But what can we do? The most powerful action is our knowledgeable vote.

California Climate Interest Group (CCIG)

The California League’s Climate Change effort began in 2006 with the Berkeley-Albany-Emeryville League and grew to encompass California with over 400 League members working on climate action. In 2020 the California Climate Interest Group joined with other Leagues across the U.S. to form the LWVUS Climate Interest Group (CIG).

Our California Climate Interest Group has four state-wide teams.

Water

California’s Water Interest Group has been active for decades, working on understanding and influencing policy for surface waters, groundwater, water conveyance (canals), and, more recently, climate change and water. The group has members with deep knowledge of water issues with a focus on California. Their webpage has a wealth of information. See also LWVUS CIG Water.

Food, Soils, and Agriculture (FSA)

California’s 77,500 farms and ranches produce more than 400 commodities and two-thirds of the nation’s fruits and nuts. About one-quarter of what California produces is exported around the world. Currently natural and working lands are a net carbon emitter, but California’s greenhouse gas emission (GHG) goals rely on changing lands to be a net carbon sink. In addition, food waste is a significant contributor to GHG emissions. See also LWVUS CIG Food, Soils, and Agriculture.

Electrification

The use of renewables in electric power generation is increasing rapidly, so a move to electricity is a move away from fossil fuels. Currently California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) has the goal to have 60% of all electricity sources to be carbon-free by 2030 and 100% by 2045. Electrification of vehicles and buildings are the targets for electrification. The LWVC has co-hosted EV events and is collaborating with the Building Electrification Coalition.

Climate Action Plans

Cities are on the front lines in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We must take action, not just plan. The Climate Action Plan Team has reviewed dozens of Climate Action Plans (CAPs) from cities and counties throughout the country to find the most effective actions and processes to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGs). LWVUS CIG Municipal Climate Action Plans.

Join the LWV Climate Effort!

If you would like to join a team or just be informed of events like webinars, discussions, and book clubs, email lwvc@lwvc.org. The power that is the grassroots of the League is to speak with one well-informed voice.