Electricity prices could skyrocket this summer for California, says CAISO

According to the operator of the state electricity grid, the drought will reduce the amount of available cheap hydroelectricity power, as well as water-dependent geothermal power. Both these sources of power are critical to meeting the peak summer electricity demand. (KTVU)

PHOTO: SACBEE

The municipal utility's advance planning for drought risks included financial buffers to cover the increased costs of electricity in times of hydroelectric shortage. While three consecutive dry years have impacted SMUD's reservoirs in the Upper American River, it will use $35 million from its hydro reserve funds to cover the cost of buying replacement power. (Sacramento Bee)

Photograph: Jim Yungel/NASA Photograph: HANDOUT/AFP/Getty Images

The complete collapse is likely 200-500 years off, but sea levels are already rising faster than predicted. Two separate teams of scientists came to similar conclusions that the ice sheet has gone past a point of no return, and even a drastic reduction in GHG emissions cannot stop its retreat. (Guardian)

A home damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2013 in the Staten Island borough of New York City. Photograph: John Moore/Getty Images

Lloyd's says it is time for a formal call on the industry to take climate change into account in their catastrophe models, with new approaches needed to estimate the extent and frequency of extreme events. In an editorial, the Chairman of Lloyd's says insurers have an important role to play in dealing with climate impacts that are already occurring through coordinating with other industries, especially construction. (Guardian)

Sixty-six chief executives of the world's leading insurers have committed to a set of guiding principles on the substantial role the insurance industry can play in tackling climate risks. The Geneva Association pledge to market insurance policies aimed at promoting the development of low-carbon energy projects, and use their combined investment muscle to promote low carbon initiatives. (Climate News Network) 

Farmers Insurance argues that municipal governments knew of the increased flood risks posed by climate change, but failed to take action to reduce risks and mitigate damage prior to flooding in August 2013. Though legally the case may not succeed, the first-of-its-kind class-action suit poses an interesting question about who is liable for the costs of climate change. (Washington Post)  

San Francisco was the first in the Rockefeller Foundation's 100 Resilient Cities challenge to hire its Chief Resilience Officer, Patrick Otellini, as one of the many resiliency components funded by this program focused on climate adaptation. (GreenBiz)   

American Solar Transformation Initiative

Developing a solar strategy may seem dauntingly unfamiliar for local governments. That's why a public-private partnership is stepping in to help create a customized solar plan for each jurisdiction, making it easier, faster, and cheaper to install solar power. The American Solar Transformation Initiative (ASTI) will provide each jurisdiction with an evaluation of their local solar potential, estimated economic and environmental impact, a customized solar roadmap, assistance with implementation, and more - for free. http://www.solarroadmap.com/about/asti/. 

The National Wildlife Foundation presents communities with a guide to nature-based approaches that not only respond to drought, extreme heat, and urban flooding, but also support people and ecosystems. Nature-based approaches enhance, protect, and restore natural infrastructure, or incorporate features that mimic natural processes, such as rain gardens and green roofs. Included are descriptions and case studies from cities that are already implementing these strategies. (NWF)

Funding opportunity for projects to improve water efficiency, energy use

The State Department of Water Resources is offering grants to local agencies, joint-power authorities, and non-profit organizations to implement water efficiency programs or projects that reduce GHG emissions and water and energy use. (DWR)

The EPA has recently released a new version of its National Stormwater Calculator (SWC) to incorporate climate predictions in estimating the amount of rainfall and frequency of runoff for any location in the U.S. It allows users to assess the impacts of stormwater on properties and can account for both existing and planned physical improvements. Provided by engineering and environmental consultants Tighe and Bond, this webinar will explore how the SWC can project the effects of climate change and how low-impact development techniques can be utilized as an adaptation strategy. Registration $50. (Link)

The Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative is a membership based collaborative network designed to promote greater climate change resilience planning coordination in the six-county Sacramento Region. The purpose of this collaborative network is to create a forum where leaders from government, academia, environmental and community groups, the business community, and labor can come together to exchange information, identify vulnerabilities and data gaps, leverage resources, and advance comprehensive solutions in an effort to create stronger, sustainable, and economically viable communities in the Sacramento Region.  

The Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative's current members include: UC Davis Policy Institute for Energy, Environment and the Economy; Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District; Sacramento Area Council of Governments; Greenwise Joint Ventures; Sacramento Municipal Utility District; Pacific Gas & Electric Company; and the Local Government Commission. If you are interested in learning more about the Climate Readiness Collaborative, joining the Collaborative, or being added to the list serv, please contact Jenny Woods.