SCR50 acknowledges that California has been experiencing unprecedented climate change effects, such as extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, and the destruction caused by wildfires. It emphasizes the critical need for public investment in adaptation programs and suggests that every dollar spent in preparation can potentially save thirteen dollars in economic losses. This perspective underscores the importance of proactive planning and informed resource allocation for the state's climate resilience initiatives.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 50 (SCR50), introduced by Senator Stern on March 26, 2025, addresses the pressing issues posed by maladaptation in the context of climate change in California. The bill aims to recognize the serious and urgent threat that maladaptation poses to the effectiveness and success of the state's climate resilience actions. It highlights the necessity for California to reevaluate its current policies and strategies to avoid ineffective actions that could exacerbate climate-related risks and vulnerabilities.
The resolution calls upon the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovations (GO-LCI) to work collaboratively with other state departments and communities in developing a statewide policy to establish clear definitions of maladaptation. Furthermore, it urges a thorough evaluation of existing programs to identify and rectify any maladaptive strategies, thereby ensuring that California can effectively withstand future environmental changes and maintain the integrity of its social and natural systems.
Notably, the resolution draws attention to the disproportionate impact of climate hazards on vulnerable demographics, including people of color, immigrants, and the elderly. It asserts that these groups exhibit increased sensitivity and reduced capacity to adapt to climate-related challenges. This focus raises important social justice considerations in the implementation of climate policies, inviting further discussions on equity and inclusion in state-level adaptation strategies.