It’s difficult to predict the exact impacts of climate change in San Diego, but it’s clear we should continue to prepare. That was the theme behind the annual San Diego Climate Summit which took place at the Robert Paine Scripps "Seaside" Forum at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Over 250 local representatives from climatologists, ecologists, nonprofit and public agency staff, to tribal and business leaders gathered to address the latest findings in California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment. Climate impacts on infrastructure, agricultural and ecosystem, along with and identifying gaps in resiliency were the fundamental issues that took center stage.

Collaborating to address climate change

Among the guest speakers was Chris Arends, SDG&E meteorology program manager. He spoke on the importance of taking a collaborative approach toward addressing climate-related weather events, adaptation work, sea level rise, and wildfire mitigation.

One key takeaway from the summit was that local companies should continuously tune into conversations on climate change, study the data and work together on solutions. Arends shared the steps SDG&E has taken over the past decade to significantly improve emergency management and lessen fire risk in San Diego to protect the 3.6 million people we serve.

Getting ahead of extreme fire danger

Improved monitoring and understanding of extreme weather events are key to mitigating wildfire risks made worse by climate change. Overall, the company has spent $1.5 billion to enhance grid resiliency, modernize energy assets and reduce climate and weather-related vulnerabilities like wildfire.

Want to see the full report on California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment: California’s Changing Climate? Click here. The assessment provides critical climate science information to support decisions that will help safeguard the people, economy, and resources of California.