Scientists say big changes this decade can help us avoid the worst impacts of climate change. That’s why we want to equip you with information you can use.
Read this overview, and then use the guide to understand more about the climate crisis, including what's being done to address and adapt to it — and how you can take part.
Read this overview, and then use the guide to understand more about the climate crisis, including what's being done to address and adapt to it — and how you can take part.
Climate reporting can't happen without you!
You have the power to keep climate emergency reporting strong in the months to come. Donate today to have an impact on LAist's ability to report on this vitally important topic. We can make a difference together with your partnership today.
Global Context
-
The final — and most critical — analysis from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change laid out a stark picture of the future. Here's what that means for L.A. -
A United Nations report says billions of people are already suffering from the impacts of the climate crisis... and Southern California inhabitants are not excluded.
Get our local independent news in your inbox
As extreme heat and climate change continue to impact Southern Californians, stay updated with our How To LA newsletter.
Climate Emergency Questions
Fires. Mudslides. Heat waves. What questions do you need answered as you prepare for the effects of the climate emergency?
Take Action
The action needed has to come from every level — from government, from industry, and from individuals like you.
Read on to learn what efforts are under way; how changes in policy and technology affect you, your community and your pocket; and what you can do personally to get involved.
Read on to learn what efforts are under way; how changes in policy and technology affect you, your community and your pocket; and what you can do personally to get involved.
Things You Can Do At Home
-
California became the second state in the nation to make large-scale composting required by law. It went into effect in January and requires all cities and counties across the state to divert food and other organic waste from landfills.
-
Angelenos can help change L.A.'s water future by ditching grass. Here’s how to update your turf and get paid to do it.
Heat
-
A climate organization says rider input is necessary to implement cooling strategies that work.
-
89% of Irvine residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park, but that kind of access is not available in many southern California cities.
-
There are no legal requirements in L.A. to keep indoor temperatures sufficiently cool.
Electrification
-
A coalition of community members and transportation justice advocates are working together to bring more e-bikes to LA neighborhoods with the worst air pollution.
-
Electric vehicles were all the rage in the early 1900s, but they were soon abandoned. What happened and what can the history of EVs tell us about the future of transportation?
-
All-electric building mandates are here. But what do they really mean?
Water
-
To state the obvious: California has a water problem. But experts say conservation alone can’t solve our water woes. Should recycled sewage water play a bigger role?
-
The region's largest water supplier plans to recycle more wastewater than ever before so it can take less from the Colorado River.
-
New water conservation restrictions … ongoing drought … California clearly has a water problem.
-
Most of our rainwater washes out to the ocean— often carrying trash and other pollutants. This South L.A. park catches and treats it.
-
Not all of this rain goes to the ocean, but increasingly unpredictable and intense storms driven by climate change are making stormwater capture more difficult.
-
L.A. still loses about 50% of stormwater runoff to the ocean.
-
The $1 billion in funding so far has mostly helped clear a backlog of water infrastructure efforts by cities and L.A. County, but new green space lags.
Renewable Energy
-
Renewable sources will lower electricity generation costs in the long run, but how much energy you use isn't all that goes into your bill.
-
The public's response and a dramatic expansion in solar energy battery storage helped significantly.
-
Small solar businesses and clean energy advocates worry it'll gut the industry, but the state says the change will boost access for Californians who can't afford solar.
Economy
-
For many Angelenos, tamales are the taste of Christmas. But for one family, growing corn for tamales is not only a celebration of their roots, but a way to combat the climate crisis.
-
With cities aiming to recycle more water amid drought, a waning workforce presents a challenge.
More Climate and Environment Coverage
-
The last time one of the animals was seen in California was in 2008, and prior to that the most recent sighting occurred in 1922. -
A new report says a 75% cut in plastics is needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
-
A deep marine layer and strong onshore flow mean that clouds will stick around.
-
The state extended a drought regulation banning using drinkable water to irrigate grass at commercial, industrial and institutional properties.
-
Expect patchy fog this morning and clouds throughout the day in the Los Angeles basin, with highs in the mid-60s.
-
To best protect wetlands, permitting and enforcement need to be sorted.
-
A state program is providing needed funding to help the most impacted and underserved communities adapt to climate change. It could serve as a model for new federal climate spending.
-
Most areas will stay in the mid-60s, but the Valleys will see highs in the low 70s.
-
Environmentalists say it’s past time for California water officials to halt Los Angeles’ diversion of Mono Lake’s tributaries. But L.A. officials insist that water is a tiny but vital part of the city’s water supply.
-
It's going to be cool and cloudy this morning throughout Southern California.
