California Resilience Challenge
Calling all Californians to Prepare for Our Future
Resilience Challenge Winners Announced 6/19
NEW! Join the Resilience Challenge Virtual Release event at 3pm on 6/19 to watch presentations from the winning projects and for a discussion on the future of climate resilience led by Kate Gordon, Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning & Research. RSVP Here >>
The California Resilience Challenge is a statewide effort, led by businesses and a diverse range of partners, to build local climate resilience and support a shared vision for a resilient California in the face of increasing climate threats. The Challenge released a request for proposals in December 2019 for diverse and replicable climate change resilience projects from across California. The winning projects, announced on 6/19/20, reflect California’s diverse geography and showcase leadership in climate change adaptation.
Climate change is causing California’s already volatile climate to produce increasingly extreme droughts, floods, heatwaves, and wildfires.
Fire
Up to 40 percent of California’s landmass now has an elevated or extreme level of fire danger.
Drought
The recent drought was the most severe in 1,200 years. State officials estimate the Sierra snow pack, the source for over one-third of California’s water, will shrink up to 65 percent by 2100.
Flood
Sea levels are projected to rise between 7-23 inches by 2050, and more extreme storms will cause inland flooding.
Heat
2017 was the third hottest year on record and saw the hottest summer in state history, threatening vulnerable populations.
Dec 2, 2019
Open request for proposals (RFP) – inviting local communities across California to apply for funding for a project that addresses a unique climate threat: drought, fire, flood, or extreme heat.
Spring 2020
Challenge leadership will announce awards to winning projects chosen for their feasibility, replicability, geography, effectiveness, community support, and other factors.
Beyond 2020 >
The Challenge will track and support winning projects through permitting, groundbreaking, and ribbon cutting.
If you are interested in keeping up with the California Resilience Challenge, you can sign up here, and we’ll stay in touch:
More Information & Updates
If you are interested in contributing to the California Resilience Challenge Fund, please email resilience(at)bayareacouncil.org.
Flood footage provided by Kevin Lowe