Chu: California Could Lose its Cities to Climate Change

Energy Secretary Steve Chu delivers a grim warning for California: Slow the pace of climate change or the state will lose its agriculture and cities.

1 minute read

February 5, 2009, 2:00 PM PST

By Michael Dudley

"Unless there is timely action on climate change, California's agricultural bounty could be reduced to a dust bowl and its cities disappear, Barack Obama's energy secretary said yesterday.

The apocalyptic scenario sketched out by Steven Chu, the Nobel laureate appointed as energy secretary, was the clearest sign to date of the greening of America's political class under the new president.

In blunt language, Chu said Americans had yet to fully understand the urgency of dealing with climate change. 'I don't think the American public has gripped in its gut what could happen,' he told the Los Angeles Times in his first interview since taking the post. 'We're looking at a scenario where there's no more agriculture in California. I don't actually see how they can keep their cities going.'"

FULL STORY: Obama's energy secretary outlines dire climate change scenario

Wednesday, February 4, 2009 in Guardian (UK)

Environment California Climate Change

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.