The only thing predictable about California’s climate is its unpredictability and variability.

Large parts of the state feature a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and long, dry summers. The presence or absence of just a few large storms in California can make the difference between an above-average water year and a drought. Climate change threatens California through more extreme events – hotter, longer droughts and severe storms that strain the existing flood management system.

Global observations provide evidence that the climate is warming, and in California, the annual average temperature has risen by about 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit since 1895.

A new Layperson’s Guide to Climate Change and Water Resources, written by Gary Pitzer, is now available from the Water Education Foundation. This 20-page publication provides readers with the facts about the vitally important issue of climate change and how experts predict it will impact already stressed western water resources. The guide was produced with the help of a grant from the California Department of Water Resources.

“This guide explains the causes of climate change, the effects on water resources and efforts underway to better adapt to a changing climate,” said Jennifer Bowles, the Foundation’s executive director.

The guides are $15 each; click here to place an order. If you are a major contributor to the Foundation ($100 or more annually), your free guide will be in the mail soon.

“We want our members to have the most up-to-date information from a reliable and impartial source, so we offer all updated guides or new ones as a benefit to major contributors,” Bowles said.

The Foundation’s Layperson’s Guides offer readers an easy-to-understand, broad overview and perspective on a variety of important water topics. They are available as a set or individually.