Climate change is real and it is changing rapidly in our lifetime. As Gardeners, we should be prepared to adapt to the new normal. Climate changes that affect us are: increase in temperatures; rising sea levels; extreme weather swings, droughts; and, wildfires.
According to “Our Changing Climate 2012”, a summary report on the Third Assessment from the California Climate Change center: “by 2050 “California is projected to warm by approximately 2.7 degrees F above 2000 averages, a threefold increase in the rate of warming over the last century.”
With the increase in temperature plants and all living things need more water. There may be plenty of water in our reservoirs today but it was just a year ago we were suffering from a severe drought. Water Districts have asked for conservation while increasing the cost of delivery to their customers.
Water conservation is one tool to fight climate change. Install drip irrigation with timers to minimize water use. Choose your plants carefully. Plant at the right time. Start your plants in smaller pots to minimize water usage. Compost your soil so it retains water. Select drought-tolerant varieties. Use mulch to conserve water evaporation. Invest in rainwater storage systems and collect every last drop of water from your roof.
If you live in a low-lying area, near the coast, or near open water be prepared for flooding. Relocate your garden in a higher area. People living near salt marshes or bays may have problems with saltwater infiltration of the groundwater. Raised bed gardens could be a solution.
Be prepared for extreme weather swings. It's too late to buy a string of incandescent light bulbs for your citrus trees when the stores are closed and its 25 degrees outside. Check UC Davis on tips for weatherizing your plants. The same goes for heat extremes. Purchase shade for your plants and have it available when it gets hot. It could be something as simple as a beach umbrella propped up in your garden. Adjust your drip irrigation watering as needed when it gets hot. Add more mulch, it holds water in and moderates the temperature.
Climate change can cause severe drought which can lead to fires. Fire safety should be addressed wherever you live. Remove all dead dried biomass from your area. Keep your compost piles moist. Have several water taps with hoses around your house. Increase the size of your home water supply. Incorporate your water storage system in your fire suppression strategy, by adding a pump. Choose your landscape plants carefully. Don't plant trees such as eucalyptus, red cedar or similar plants near your structures. Notify local fire authorities if there are fire hazards on nearby properties.
Deforestation is one of the contributors to climate change. The cutting of trees both adds carbon dioxide to the air it also removes the ability of those trees to sequester carbon dioxide. You can plant a tree to help fight climate change. Mature trees fight climate change by storing carbon dioxide throughout its system. Trees also break up the soil and help retain in the soil.
Don't bury your head in the sand! Climate change is real deal with it!