Climate Impacts
What Does it Mean to be a "Resilient" Community?
Climate change "resilience" is the ability of a community to adapt and thrive in the face of extreme shocks and stresses like a severe weather event or prolonged drought. Resilient communities anticipate risks, plan to limit their impacts, and adopt strategies to support local recovery and adaptation. In Redwood City, we are building climate resilience by preparing for and adapting to the impacts that threaten our community most, including:
- Sea level rise and increased storms, flooding, and erosion
- Extreme heat and drought
- Wildfires and air pollution
Climate Impacts
Wildfires
As temperatures rise due to climate change, the risk of large wildfires in San Mateo County, including Redwood City, increases significantly. By 2070, the probability of a wildfire burning over 1,000 acres is projected to rise eight-fold. The growing threat is directly linked to warming temperatures, which create conditions that make wildfires more likely and harder to control. Wildfires not only destroy land and property but also emit pollutants that can harm local air quality. Learn how to become wildfire resilient by taking advantage of city and county resources.
In California, wildfires are a matter of when, not if. Protect your home and family with CAL FIRE’s Ready, Set, Go! approach: harden your home, create defensible space, prepare emergency supplies, and know your evacuation plan. Review the Wildfire Action Plan and fact sheet to get started.
City Initiatives
Urban Tree Canopy
The trees on your street, at the park, or in your yard provide a lot more benefits than you might think. Urban tree canopies lower local temperatures, absorb air pollutants, filter stormwater runoff, and even absorb and store greenhouse gas emissions like CO2. The City of Redwood City, a proud Tree City USA designee, is expanding and protecting our urban canopy, and much progress has already been made. Redwood City Public Works Services Department partners with CityTrees every year to assist volunteers with identifying planting sites, planting trees throughout the community, and restoring native species to the area.
Since 2000, CityTrees has planted over 3,400 trees in our community!
City Initiatives
Climate Action and Resiliency Video Contest
A resilient city can only be built with support from all – including our youngest residents! The Redwood City Public Works Department launched the annual Climate Action and Climate Resiliency Video Contest for middle school students during the 2021-22 school year. This contest aims to raise awareness about climate change and the importance of adaptation in Redwood City. It provides an engaging and creative platform for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to showcase their understanding of climate action and resiliency. As a key part of the city's climate education program, the contest encourages students to think critically about climate challenges and solutions.
View All the Winning Videos from the Climate Action and Resiliency Video Contest
What You Can Do
Help Build a Resilient Redwood City
Learn about impacts, be prepared, and participate in resilience programs.