Articles
Staying informed on the latest science and updates on climate change is critical to understanding the breadth of the impacts and stories on climate change are appearing daily in papers across the country. We’ve curated a few articles that felt relevant to the California Central Coast related to sea level rise and will continue to add stories on other climate threats.
Santa Barbara Struggles to Adapt to Sea-Level Rise
Santa Barbara Independent - As Santa Barbara Struggles to adapt to sea-level rise, can our coastal communities find a way to save beaches and property before it’s too late? This excellent article written last year by Nick Welsh highlighted the…
Must Reads: Destruction from sea level rise in California could exceed worst wildfires and earthquakes, new research shows
LA Times - In the most extensive study to date on sea level rise in California, researchers say damage by the end of the century could be far more devastating than the worst earthquakes and wildfires in state history. “It’s…
Most California cities refuse to retreat from rising seas. One town wants to show how it’s done
LA Times - Most California cities refuse to retreat from rising seas. One town wants to show how it’s done. As other cities dig in, Marina embraces a policy of managed retreat. One of the keynote speakers you’ll hear from…
A Crisis Right Now: San Francisco and Manila Face Rising Seas
Rising seas already overwhelm the Bay Area. Time is running out for California to act
LA Times - The fate of Foster City and the rest of the Bay Area was front and center last week as state lawmakers grappled with the many threats California must confront as the ocean pushes farther inland.
The California coast is disappearing under the rising sea. Our choices are grim
LA Times - The California coast grew and prospered during a remarkable moment in history when the sea was at its tamest. But the mighty Pacific, unbeknownst to all, was nearing its final years of a calm but unusual cycle…
Collaborations & Networks
As our cities and counties update their general plans, safety elements and hazard mitigation plans, it’s important they include strong adaptation strategies to ensure community resilience. Working collaboratively across agencies and jurisdictions will ensure these strategies are coordinated and effective.
Alliance of Regional Collaboratives for Climate Adaptation (ARCCA)
Reports & Assessments
It’s important to lay the groundwork for climate adaptation and resilience planning with scientific study, research and assessment. Recommendations from state and local reports are helpful to the land use and infrastructure planning discussions that will define our future.
California Ocean Protection Council Strategic Plan 2020-2025
Health, Wildfires & Climate Change in California
Toolkits & Clearinghouses
There are many resources available through state and federal agencies on climate mitigation and adaptation planning. These guides and toolkits are free resources to help local communities with their climate planning and resilience efforts.
Clean Coalition’s Community Microgrid Initiative
Coastal Conservancy Climate Ready Program
Coastal Hazard Resilience Planning in California
California’s Fourth Climate Assessment
CalAdapt
EPA
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) partnered to create toolkits that helps California regions plan for disaster and build resilience – Regional Resilience Toolkit: 5 Steps to Build Large-Scale Resilience to Natural Disasters & Building…
Video, Audio & Other Media
A picture is worth a thousand words. Check out presentations from the speakers and other event highlights from the Climate Resilience Roundtable on sea level rise and flooding.
Climate Resilience Roundtable: Sea Level Rise Virtual Reality Video
Get to Know and Support Your Neighbors
Knowing who might need support – elderly, disabled, food insecure, or otherwise – can create critical lifelines during times of crisis. And volunteering to help the most vulnerable in our community will strengthen the social safety net.
Santa Barbara Bucket Brigade
Volunteer to make masks for community distribution and other support before, during and after disasters
Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
Volunteer or donation to help families and children in need of nutritious food
Nextdoor
An electronic hub to connect and share with your neighborhood
Learn More About Your Region
Build your personal resilience by getting to know the region and the natural world that supports us all. Santa Barbara County has an incredible array of species and habitats you can learn about – even during this time of ‘shelter at home’.
Wilderness Youth Project
Resource portal with activities, storytelling, pre-K resources and places to explore for youth and families to connect and learn about the nature world.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
A virtual museum with activities you can do outdoors, indoor or online to connect to the natural world
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Virtual tours and webcams of the Garden’s native plant collections and educational activities
Santa Barbara County Conservation Blueprint
Online resource and mapping tool of the natural resources, agriculture and land uses in the county
Birds of Santa Barbara County
Guides and other online resources for learning about birds of the region.