Can California have a strong economy AND a healthy ecosystem in 2100?

California’s water challenges are daunting. Climate change will magnify those including more severe droughts, floods, and fires.

Friends of the River (FOR) works to protect California rivers. As FOR addresses the impacts of climate change on our rivers, we are taking a broader view to fulfill our mission. To create that water resilient future we need to Point Positive.

Point Positive

Point Positive is concept that there are diverse and abundant approaches that make positive changes in the ways we manage water in California. With this we can in turn ensure that water stays in rivers and ecosystems become healthy.

A strong economy depends on investing in healthy ecosystems. Businesses that seek to exploit for profit rather than invest in ecosystems cannot thrive into 2100. FOR is seeking support from businesses that believe this too. Climate change only makes the calculus more critical.

Last year Governor Newsom sought input to help write a Water Resilience Portfolio. The Portfolio says that water efficiency, conservation, and reuse should be prioritized to stretch existing water supplies. They are the most cost-effective and environmentally beneficial approaches. It also contains ideas that concern us. FOR wants to encourage Newsom to take the right steps. (http://waterresilience.ca.gov/)