Climate Change Adaptation
CDCR’s progressive climate adaptation strategies for its facilities and operations
Background
Global climate change is a serious challenge facing California. A significant number of CDCR facilities are located in climate zones that experience extreme heat or cold in summer and winter months and an equally significant number are located in remote locations that may suffer from monsoonal rains, wildfires, depletion of local water supplies or similar climate-related concerns. In recognition of CDCR’s vast footprint, the Department became an innovator in the area of sustainability to both alleviate the adverse effects of a changing climate on the operations of CDCR, but also to establish a leadership position in environmental stewardship. One of its earliest efforts in 2008 was to create a unit within CDCR’s Division of Facility Planning, Construction and Management dedicated to sustainability. This unit, together with other key Department stakeholders and a myriad of professionals, has worked to implement substantial changes to CDCR’s operations and has and will continue to identify the potential effects of climate change and pursue efforts to prevent or mitigate them.
Chapter 1: Climate Change & Adaptation of CDCR’s Sustainability Roadmap
Our Goals
- Execute CDCR’s Climate Action Plan. The Climate Action Plan will provide a Greenhouse Gas Emissions inventory, emissions reduction plan and a comprehensive analysis of the environmental effects of the potential adoption of measures that would further reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions to contribute to the statewide goal of reducing the long-term potential for climate change.
- Continue with proactive planning for future climate change for resiliency and protection of the Department’s assets.
- Improve self-sufficiency, and maximizing the efficient use of fuel, water, and other resources while carrying out CDCR’s mission and vision.