Maladaptation.

California Senate Concurrent Resolution 50 (SCR50), titled 'Maladaptation,' is a nonbinding resolution that addresses the issue of maladaptation in the state's climate resilience efforts. Maladaptation refers to actions intended to address climate change that are ineffective or unintentionally increase climate-related risks. The resolution acknowledges the severe climate impacts California is already experiencing, such as droughts, wildfires, extreme heat, and flooding. It emphasizes the importance of designing adaptation efforts carefully to avoid wasting public resources or exacerbating future conditions. SCR50 calls on the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (GO-LCI) to collaborate with state agencies, researchers, and communities to develop a statewide policy with a clear definition of maladaptation and to evaluate the effectiveness of climate resilience measures. Additionally, it urges GO-LCI to review existing policies and plans in the state’s Adaptation Clearinghouse database to identify any that are or may become maladaptive. As a concurrent resolution, SCR50 does not create or amend statutory law but expresses legislative intent and directs attention to state climate planning practices.

SCR50 has been received favorably, passing committee and floor votes unanimously, with no recorded opposition. The resolution's emphasis on urgency, fiscal prudence, and protecting vulnerable communities suggests broad support for improving climate adaptation planning. Media coverage highlights the resolution's proactive approach to minimizing future climate-related disruptions and its potential to save economic costs by investing in effective climate resilience strategies.

While SCR50 has garnered broad support, some critiques focus on its nonbinding nature, questioning its practical impact on actual policy changes. Critics argue that without enforceable mandates, the resolution may not lead to significant improvements in climate adaptation efforts. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential bureaucratic challenges in developing a statewide policy on maladaptation and the effectiveness of the proposed evaluations in identifying and rectifying maladaptive practices.

Source: LegiScan roll call vote data.