CLIMATE SCIENCE 101
Welcome to Climate Science 101, your go-to guide for learning about climate change and how you can make a difference. Whether you're just beginning to explore environmental issues or looking for local resources, this page has you covered.
Understanding climate change
Why does climate change matter?
Climate change is transforming our planet. Rising temperatures, more intense wildfires, severe droughts, and rising sea levels are just some of the challenges we face. Here in the Bay Area, the impacts are close to home, affecting our air quality, water resources, and unique ecosystems.
The good news? There are solutions, and everyone has a role to play.
Key climate change concepts:
Greenhouse gases (GHGs)
These trap heat in the atmosphere, warming the Earth. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane are major contributors.
Fossil fuels
Burning coal, oil, and gas releases GHGs. Transitioning to renewable energy is key to reducing emissions.
Climate justice
Climate change doesn’t affect everyone equally. Addressing climate justice ensures solutions are fair and inclusive.
How climate change works
Greenhouse effect — The Earth's atmosphere acts like a blanket, trapping heat from the sun. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) intensify this effect by trapping more heat, leading to global warming.
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Sources of GHGs — Human activities like burning fossil fuels for energy, deforestation, and industrial processes release large amounts of GHGs into the atmosphere.
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Feedback loops — Warming can trigger processes that accelerate climate change, like melting ice reducing the Earth’s ability to reflect sunlight or thawing permafrost releasing methane.
Climate change in the Bay Area
What could the climate crisis look like in the San Francisco Bay Area?
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Rising sea levels — Coastal areas like San Francisco and Alameda are at risk of flooding, threatening homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
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Extreme heat — Increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves can impact public health, especially for vulnerable populations.
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Wildfires — More frequent wildfires pose risks to air quality, safety, and biodiversity.
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Drought — Hotter, drier weather can reduce water availability for communities and ecosystems.
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Ecosystem changes — Native species and habitats are under threat due to changing temperatures and water availability.
What are we doing about it?
The Bay Area is actively addressing the climate crisis through a variety of initiatives led by government agencies, businesses, non-profit organizations, individuals, and community groups. Find out what's happening in your county:
