I. California, a developed state with high consumption
II. A state exposed to risks and climate change
III. Differentiated responses and vision for the future
Main question
Why does California symbolize the risks associated with climate change?
LESSON TO LEARN
LESSON TO LEARN
First session
- Read the documents and highlight the information that seems most useful to you.
- In pairs, present a debate between two residents of Napa Valley affected by the fires. One argues that it is nature’s fault, the other that it is humanity’s fault. They do not share the same view of risk; the first talks about hazards, the second about vulnerability.
- Use specific examples from the documents. Then, present in front of the class
Second session
=> Read the text and write all the words you do not understand on the whiteboard.
=> In 2018, the city of Paradise in California was ravaged by flames. 89 people died. You are a reporter returning three years later. Explain, using the document, how the actions of the government, California, and local municipalities are negative and will not prevent this from happening again.
=> Present your conclusion in front of the class the next week
Documents
Irrigated cotton-fields in the Valley of Central California
Word box
- California – A highly populated and economically powerful U.S. state with nearly 40 million people in 2025.
- GDP (Gross Domestic Product) – The total value of goods and services produced; California’s GDP is over 4 trillion dollars.
- Pacific Coast Cities – Major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose; popular for jobs, climate, and culture.
- Coastal Risks – Threats such as sea-level rise, flooding, and erosion affecting cities along the ocean.
- Central Valley – Major agricultural region producing almonds, grapes, lettuce, and other crops; heavily irrigated.
- Climate Change Impacts – Includes wildfires, extreme heat waves, droughts, and risks to tourism and agriculture.
- Energy Production and Consumption – California generates solar and hydroelectric power but consumes much energy, especially in summer for air conditioning.
- Consumer Lifestyle – Large homes, private pools, heavy car use, shopping, dining, and entertainment, reflecting high consumption.
- Wildfires – Frequent and destructive fires, such as the 2020 August Complex Fire (over 1 million acres burned).
- Drought and Water Overuse – Causes land subsidence in the Central Valley and water shortages in reservoirs like Lake Oroville.
- Air Pollution – Caused by vehicle emissions, industry, wildfires, and agricultural runoff; affects health and ecosystems.
- Renewable Energy – Solar, wind, and geothermal power; over 35% of California’s electricity comes from renewables.
- Carbon Neutrality Goal – California aims to reach zero net emissions by 2045 and cut vehicle emissions by 40% by 2030.
- Sustainable Farming – Practices like cover cropping, drip irrigation, and reducing pesticides to protect soil and water.
- Resilience Measures – Strategies to adapt to climate change: levees, dune restoration, managed retreat, green roofs, shaded streets.
Picard HG/HGGSP 