California dreaming could become a lot more surreal in the next few years, if climate change predictions come true. Scientists are predicting that the state which has the widest range of microclimates and ecosystems in the country is also likely to be the most affected by global warming. Already the ski season is getting shorter at California ski resorts as temperatures soar and the snow disappears. While the state can get by without snowboarding, more significant is the fact that the Sierra snowpack provides 35% of California's water supply, which bodes ill for a growing and thirsty population. In Southern California, climate change will mean that movie star's Malibu homes which don't get torched in more frequent wildfires will stand a good chance of being inundated by rising sea levels. If you're not worried about what happens to Mel Gibson's house, consider the possible loss of the California wine country as temperatures and drought make the area unsuitable for vineyards.
Beyond the cost to humans, the potential exists for incaluable losses of marine, plant and animal life in the region. The solution is straightforward, by the way, if not easy - stop global warming.
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