Key Climate Measures on the November 2024 Ballot: What You Need to Know

Living in California has long meant living with earthquakes. Now, extreme weather events regularly put coastal communities at risk of flooding, and sea level rise is top of mind up and down the state. Widespread, drought-fueled wildfires are a frequent occurrence, increasing by 20% so far this year alone. This reality feels overwhelming at times. We can and should do something about it. That’s where California climate measures come in.

If you’re a California voter, there’s an upcoming chance to take action. A pair of important initiatives gracing the November ballot could offer indispensable funding to build climate resilience in our state. Read onward to learn more so you can make an informed choice in the voting booth this autumn.

FACING THE FORCES OF NATURE

As a coastal resident, I face a double whammy of concerns: the ever-increasing possibility of storm surge and the constant threat of wildfires in our beloved nearby forests. Fortunately, working at POST gives me opportunities to make a difference. I help secure state, federal, and foundation grants for land protection and stewardship. I also track laws that influence or generate new conservation and climate resilience funding sources. 

Moreover, POST and our partners use many forest management practices on the properties we protect to give landscapes the best chance of resilience in the face of wildfire — and to help areas impacted by fire recover. These initiatives could provide invaluable resources so that we can expand the scope of our work to better prepare for the future!

AND NOW, THE INITIATIVES 

Proposition 4: The California Climate Bond

All California voters can vote on Proposition 4, which addresses several environmental and infrastructure issues in California.

If voters approve the measure, $10 billion will be invested across the state. It will supply California with reliable funding for programs that will help reduce the effects of climate change. Given the state’s recent major budget cuts to climate funding, we can’t afford to ignore this initiative.

What Yes Means

If passed, Prop 4 will fund important climate resilience solutions across the state, including:

• Enhancing access to safe drinking water and water resilience against floods and droughts
• Boosting wildfire prevention and forest management
• Combating rising sea levels and protecting coastal and bay wetlands 
• Protecting biodiversity and promoting nature-based climate solutions 
• Improving air quality and reducing pollution 
• Creating parks and expanding access to open spaces through land acquisition 
• Mitigating extreme heat impacts on urban areas by planting more trees 
• Supporting sustainable farming practices that restore soil fertility and reduce greenhouse gasses

Santa Cruz County’s Measure Q: Water & Wildfire Protection Act

Santa Cruz County residents can vote on Santa Cruz County’s Measure Q, also known as the “Water and Wildfire Protection Act.” 

In addition to Prop 4, Santa Cruz County aims to build its resilience to natural disasters and wildfires caused by climate change via the Water and Wildfire Protection Act. I talked to Lauren Korth, POST’s institutional engagement officer, who was heavily involved in getting this on the ballot. She gave me an overview of some key things to know.

What Yes Means

If passed by local voters, it will help:

• Protect water quality 
• Protect natural water sources
• Reduce wildfire risk
• Keep beaches clean and protect marine life
• Preserve wildlife habitat

A Word on Wildfire

Wildfires impact the land, wildlife, and nearby communities greatly, depending on the size and heat level of the fire. While low-intensity fires can help “clean” flammable vegetation in forests, high-intensity fires can scorch soil, tree roots, and even tree canopies, leaving ecosystems and their inhabitants vulnerable. Furthermore, scorched soil can also cause tree roots to die, leading to harmful erosion and inviting invasive plant and animal species to take residence. Restoration and regrowth timelines for an area impacted by fire vary, but for some environments, such as forests, it often takes decades to recover.

This summer, the devastating Park Fire became the 4th largest wildfire in California’s history. According to CAL FIRE, 838,576 acres have burned so far this year, nearly double the size of the 9-county Bay Area. All California residents suffer from the far reaching and damaging impacts of catastrophic wildfire and it is time to make our move.

GET OUT AND VOTE

The perpetuity of POST’s work relies on taxpayer initiatives like these. They ensure the ongoing protection, restoration, and management of the lands we preserve and transfer to our public agency partners. This November, we have an opportunity to make a real difference for California and our local landscapes. On November 5, we urge you to vote and to support both Proposition 4 and Santa Cruz County’s Measure Q. Our future depends on it.