There are a whole lot of opinions on the effects of climate change on our planet and our ecosystems. Climate change has become a focus of discussion in our homes and our communities and has been a focus of scientific study across various disciplines. There are so many factors that create our understanding of climate change, and it’s never clear exactly why and how climate change is affecting us.

To shed some light on the issue, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) conducted a study and released a report on August 8 determining that “Climate change is having a significant and measurable impact on California’s environment,”detailing 36 indicators of climate change and their effects on our environment.

 “Climate change is having a significant and measurable impact on California’s environment.”

Research was conducted throughout the state, with data being monitored by state and federal agencies, universities, and research institutions. The report detailed key findings highlighting rising temperatures, increase in the number of wildfires, decreased spring snowmelt resulting in less available water for agriculture, the environment, and human consumption. Also highlighted in the report were species migration due to climate change and “physical and biological changes in our oceans” impacting marine life.

California is one of the few states to conduct such a study centered around the current effects of climate change as opposed to projections into the future. In May of 2013, Governor Jerry Brown accepted a statement signed by 520 researchers and scientists identifying climate change as one of the five top key threats to the environment that require immediate action and offering recommendations for helping to reverse it.

What are your thoughts on the report? How important of an issue is addressing climate change to you? Sound off in the comments.

The Report: Indicators of Climate Change in California
Summary Report: Indicators of Climate Change in California
Press Release issued jointly by OEHHA and Cal/EPA