California is one of the world’s 36 designated global biodiversity hotspots. Within the U.S, our state has both the highest total number of species and the highest number of endemic species (i.e., those that occur nowhere else), including more than 30% of all plant and vertebrate species found in the country. Join California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crofoot and a panel of experts in celebration of California Biodiversity Week for a virtual discussion on some particularly colorful forms of life that call our state home, and learn how to help save the approximately 30% of native California species that are at risk of extinction. The hour-long event, “California: The Biodiversity King – Discover the Incredible Life that Thrives in the Golden State,” begins at noon today. Registration is required.

Last week, Governor Newsom unveiled California’s updated Climate Adaptation Strategy — the State’s overarching framework to better protect communities and nature from dangerous climate impacts. The Strategy was last updated in 2021. Since then, the State has made historic investments in climate resilience, set ambitious goals, and prioritized support for vulnerable communities. A review of progress reported between 2022 and 2024 found that 92% of all 2021 metrics are well underway, nearing completion, or completed, and that two-thirds of metrics scheduled to end between 2021 and 2024 have been completed. A fact sheet and frequently asked questions are available on the Climate Adaptation Strategy website. 

Dovetailing with this just-released update, California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crofoot will host an online discussion on how the Climate Adaptation Strategy aims to help all Californians by strengthening community and expanding economic and environmental resilience to wildfire, flood, heat, drought, and sea level rise. Learn more by attending “California's Climate Future: Adapting to New Threats and Protecting Californians” on Thursday, Sept. 11 from noon to 1 p.m. Registration is required for this Secretary Speakers Series virtual event.

The Delta Independent Science Board, a board of prominent scientists that provides oversight of programs that support adaptive management in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, is hosting a two-day symposium at the University of California, Davis, on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 16 and 17, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. “Emerging Climate Research Symposium: Considerations for the Delta Region” will explore the current climate projections for the Delta, related uncertainties, and how the current state of climate science is being integrated into decision-making in the Delta. Register to attend in person or virtually. Registration is free. More information, including an agenda, is available in the meeting notice.

Explore the power of connected water data at the next Internet of Water Coalition webinar, Monday, Sept. 15, 11:00 a.m. to noon. “River Data at Your Fingertips — Learn About Geoconnex Explorer and What’s Next” will spotlight the Geoconnex Explorer, a revolutionary tool that opens access to data from waterways across the contiguous U.S., making it easy for users to find critical information. Key developers from the Center for Geospatial Solutions — the team behind Geoconnex Explorer — will demonstrate how water data can become discoverable, usable, and connected for all using Explorer, the first public-facing application built on the Geoconnex system. Registration is required.