Structure

After several years in the making, California is unveiling its Fifth Climate Change Assessment, a collection of definitive and groundbreaking research on climate change impacts across the state and ideas for safeguarding people, infrastructure, and resources from accelerating impacts of climate change.

Coordinated through a partnership of the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, the California Natural Resources Agency, the California Strategic Growth Council, and the California Energy Commission, the Fifth Assessment reinforces California’s position as a global leader in climate action. 

Made up of nearly 70 separate reports analyzing regional and statewide climate change risks, the research will be the cornerstone for guiding smart policy and sound investment at the state, regional, and local levels to improve community resilience for years to come. 

Since 2006, the state has completed four previous climate change assessments, all designed to evaluate the risks from climate change – including extreme heat, drought, wildfires, floods, and water and air pollution – and to identify potential solutions to fight the impacts. 

This Fifth Assessment is the first to feature a Tribal Research Program, gathering guidance from tribal communities, and uplifting indigenous science and knowledge.

The suite of research and informational products include new data and original research on current climate change effects, scenarios projecting future impacts, the state’s priorities for tackling climate change, and tools and resources to help leaders, advocates, and practitioners make thoughtful climate action decisions. 

Throughout the entire process, the voices of frontline community members were heard and prioritized, especially those in the most vulnerable neighborhoods, and in rural and tribal lands.  

The wealth of scientific data came from deep collaboration across the state and regions, with contributions from more than 2,000 authors, advisors, reviewers, and editors devoted to the mission of producing cutting-edge, community-informed, actionable research.  

Many additional partners across diverse communities have contributed to the state’s understanding of climate change impacts and adaptation strategies.