FACTS CALIFORNIAA M E R I C A N S E C U R I T Y P R O J E C T Pay Now, Pay Later: Cali ornia Admittedly, the eects oclimate change, a complex and intri- cate phenomeno n, are dicult to predict with precision . Inormed scientic and economic projections, as we have used in our research, however, allow us to see that Caliornia aces signicant losses in industries crucial to its economy ino action is taken. Moreover, data shows Cali ornia is poised to benet rom the research, development, and distribution orenewable energy technologies. Byachieving the goals set out in its 2008 legislation, Caliornia will not only see billions odollars in investment and thousands onew jobs, but also lose its reputation as the 12 th largest emitter ogreenhouse gases in the world. 5 Should Under a high-emissions scenario, by the close othe century sea levels throughout the state are projected to rise 22-30 inches 1 and protecting coastal areas rom sea level rises around the San Francisco Bay alone could cost $6-30 billion each year. 2 Caliornia has the most polluted air in the country; this pollution (ozone and particulates) causes 8,800 deaths and costs the state $71 billion annually. These numbers will rise with the projected increases in temperature and air pollution levels across the state. 3 Caliornia has distinguished itselas a leader in ghting climate change. In 2008, the state enacted the most comprehensive climate change legislation in the nation: by 2050, Cali- ornia pledges to cut emissions to 80% below 1990 levels. 4 According to a new study, a ailure to mitigate the efects oclimate change could begin to cause serious gross domestic product and job losses as early as 2010 through 2050. In the short-term, the Caliornian economy is projected to sufer rom the efects oclimate change, but the state could benet in the later years rom an increase in migrants and an upturn in economic output as other U.S. states are comparatively l ess capable oadapting. Ultimately, Caliornians could gain $25.1 billion in GDP and over 152,000 jobs by 2050.* we ail to take action against climate change, Caliornians have much to lose. Pay Later: The Cost oInaction Caliornia will experience signicant losses—billions odollars in revenue and thousands ojobs—ithe eects oclimate change are not mitigated. Te state’s ico nic beaches and coas ts may be lost, and the security othe agricultural and tourism industries will be in jeopardy. Te Golden State will lose iserious action is not taken. Sources: Kahrl; Union oConcerned Scientists, Climate Change in the United States: the Prohibitive Costs oInaction *Possi bly eclipsing the positive projections, the study’ s calculations do not include snowall and icepackmelt, which Caliornians depend on or much othe water supply. GDP numbers are based on a 0% discount r ate. Job losses ar e measured in labor years, or en tire years oulltime employment. Backus, George et al., “Assessing the Near-erm Risk oClimate Uncertainty: Interdependencies among theU.S. States,” Sandia Report (Sandia National Labora tories, May 2010), 137, 141. https://cfweb- prod.sandia.gov/cfdocs/C CIM/docs/Climate_Risk _Assessment.pdf(accessed March 23, 2011). 0 5 10 15 20 Appr oximate Total Fl ood Damage 1980-2000 Median Projected Annual Costof Protecting the Bay Area from Sea Lev el Rise B i l l i o n s ( $ ) Cost of 20th Century Flooding Compared to Fl ooding Costs Incur red in San Francisco b y 2100