Key Takeaways
- The climate change signal is clear; intensifying hazards are increasing risks to communities, the electric grid and public safety.
- SCE is strengthening its infrastructure for changing conditions through climate-informed planning.
- Building climate resilience is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated action among utilities, governments, businesses and communities.
Why Adaptation Cannot Wait
Extreme Heat
California has warmed by more than 2°F over the past century, with rapid increases in nighttime temperatures leading to additional heat stress on communities and critical infrastructure. Daytime high temperatures across SCE’s service area are projected to rise ~3°F by 2050 relative to 2000.
Extreme Precipitation and Flooding
California is experiencing greater swings between wet and dry years, increasing flood risk and intensifying drought impacts. Intense precipitation events are projected to become more severe under warmer conditions. In relatively wet regions of the SCE service area, the largest three-day storm each year is projected to be, on average, 5% more intense, with some regions becoming up to 13% more intense in 2050 relative to 2000.
Wildfire
California is experiencing more frequent and severe wildfires. Longer dry seasons and increasing heat have the potential to further increase wildfire risk. Climate projections indicate a longer wildfire season across SCE’s service area, with the greatest increases in fire-conducive weather occurring during spring and fall, and up to a 32% increase in fire weather days in coastal regions.
Sea Level Rise
California’s sea level has risen by about 8 inches over the past century. The Los Angeles region is projected to experience approximately one additional foot of rise by 2050 relative to 2000 under an intermediate-high emissions scenario, leading to additional risks of flooding, erosion and rising groundwater levels.