Intro to Bay Area 2050: How Climate Change Will Impact Region

The San Francisco Bay Area is known for its vibrant communities, breathtaking landscapes, and Mediterranean climate. However, the growing impacts of climate change pose serious threats to the region. Rising sea levels are encroaching on coastal neighborhoods and infrastructure, increasing flood risks in many areas. More frequent and intense wildfires are destroying homes and altering local ecosystems. Changes in temperature and weather patterns are also endangering the region’s well-known agricultural products, including strawberries and world-famous wine grapes. Understanding these challenges is essential for preparing for the future, protecting the Bay Area’s natural beauty, and safeguarding the health and well-being of its residents.

What Will You Learn?

This course will provide a comprehensive look at the pressing climate threats facing the Bay Area by 2050. By the end of this course, you will:

• Understand how rising temperatures and declining fog levels are altering local weather patterns.
• Learn about the risks of sea level rise and how it threatens homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
• Explore the intensified wildfire risks and how communities can better prepare for these disasters.
• Discover the challenges facing agriculture, including how wineries and farms are adapting to a changing climate.
• Gain insight into the long-term strategies being proposed to mitigate these impacts and build a resilient future.

With this knowledge, you will be better equipped to understand the urgency of climate adaptation and the actions needed to protect what makes the Bay Area unique.

How to Approach This Course

Start by watching the course video, which highlights the environmental, social, and economic challenges posed by climate change in the Bay Area. Pay close attention to the examples and solutions, as they will help you answer the quiz questions at the end.