Perspectives from local leaders
"We are already taking steps to conserve and restore the lands along our rivers, streams and reservoirs, to protect our vital drinking water supplies that people, plants and animals all need. We must continue, as well as increase, these efforts, not just for today, but for all future generations - after all, this is our legacy."
Scott Peters
Congressman, US House of Representatives, CA-52
"Climate change has already begun to transform the places where we live. We pride ourselves on the fact that 45% of the land in San Diego County is open space.1 It is critical that we continue to plan for these spectacular natural areas and resources so they are healthy and resilient enough to cope with this great threat to our natural systems."
Michael Hager, PhD
President and CEO, San Diego Natural History Museum
Climate change threatens the iconic beaches of San Diego. A recent study2 by San Francisco State University economists found that by 2050 San Diegans could lose 20% of Torrey Pines State Beach to flooding and erosion, resulting in annual losses of:
1. The San Diego Foundation. 2010. Parks for Everyone: Green Access for San Diego County. http://www.sdfoundation.org/Portals/0/Newsroom/PDF/Reports/parkforeveryone_finalsm.pdf
2. King, P.G, McGregor, A., and Whittet, J.D. 2011. The Economic Costs of Sea-Level Rise to California Beach Communities. http://www.dbw.ca.gov/PDF/Reports/CalifSeaLevelRise.pdf