Natural Carbon Sequestration

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Testimony: Protect funding for climate investments in the Cap and Invest program

On August 12, 2026, the California Senate Budget Subcommittee 2 held a hearing on potential reforms to the state’s Cap and Invest program. As currently proposed, the changes could result in $2 billion losses for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) each year, which funds investments in low-carbon transportation, clean air and water, sustainable agriculture, … Read more

Categories Carbon Drawdown Natural Carbon Sequestration Transportation
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The fate of California’s signature climate program

Last year, Cap and Invest (formerly known as Cap and Trade) was one of the hottest topics in California politics. After intense negotiations, the program was reformed and reauthorized through 2045. But that’s not where this story ends.  Cap and Invest, California’s signature climate program that launched in 2013, is a market-based system designed to … Read more

Categories Fossil Fuels Natural Carbon Sequestration
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The primary is over. What does it mean for affordability and climate solutions?

With California’s gubernatorial primary outcome now settled, Xavier Becerra will face off against Steve Hilton to determine who will succeed Gavin Newsom.  Big Oil, investor-owned utilities, and other corporate interests poured more than $50 million into Becerra’s campaign so far. Becerra indicated that he’d support delaying California’s 2045 climate targets, despite having led the state’s … Read more

Categories Community Energy Resilience Fossil Fuels Natural Carbon Sequestration
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March’s record-shattering heat wave and what you can do

Bizarre and dangerous. That’s how I saw last month’s record-shattering heat wave that stretched from coastal California to the Great Plains. Temperatures for March exceeded the highest on record by enormous margins in at least 65 cities across multiple states. Some locations even broke records for April and May!  Extreme heat kills and sickens more … Read more

Categories Community Energy Resilience Natural Carbon Sequestration
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Two ways climate change hits your pocketbook

Vue Her on his farm in Singer, California, outside of Fresno. Photo by U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Affordability continues to be a concern both in California and nationwide, despite Trump calling it a fake issue. Fortunately, investments in clean energy and other climate solutions are investments in affordability!  Numerous studies point to climate-fueled extreme weather as a driver of rising consumer costs, especially for food. In fact, U.S. food prices are up … Read more

Categories Community Energy Resilience Natural Carbon Sequestration
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Three climate victories this year show state action matters

As 2025 comes to a close, I want to acknowledge that it’s been a tough year for climate action with near-constant attacks on our progress from a science-denying, pro-oil federal administration. I don’t want to underestimate our challenges, but I do want to celebrate our victories! This year, The Climate Center collaborated with partners to … Read more

Categories Clean Energy Natural Carbon Sequestration
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Carbon Dioxide Removal in California

A practical guide for policymakers and the public

Forest. Photo via Canva.

California is entering a pivotal moment in its fight against the climate crisis, one that demands not only accelerating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, but also confronting carbon pollution left behind since the Industrial Revolution. These long-lived legacy emissions will continue to impact the climate, even when society has successfully decarbonized across sectors. The … Read more

Categories Carbon Drawdown Natural Carbon Sequestration

California’s Nature-based Climate Solutions: Building Healthy Soils and Sequestering Carbon

Press Conference 2, Area D, United Nations climate conference, COP30 in Belém, Brazil

During this press conference, which took place in Belém, Brazil at COP30, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Karen Ross joined The Climate Center’s Legislative Manager Allison Hilliard to discuss California’s Healthy Soils Program. Secretary Ross explained how the program is helping to shift California farmers’ practices to composting, cover crops, … Read more