Prop. 4: The Billion-Dollar Plan Set to Save California from Wildfires and Rising Seas

Urgent Need for Prop. 4 Amid Rising Wildfire Threats

The reality of climate change is glaringly evident in San Diego. To the east, thick brush on hillsides poses a significant wildfire risk. To the west, rising sea levels threaten beaches and lowlands. Communities everywhere face the danger of not having safe drinking water.

San Diego County has experienced four of the state’s top 20 deadliest wildfires. These fires have destroyed thousands of homes and polluted the air with harmful smoke. Local beaches are eroding rapidly, and a substantial number of residents lack access to clean drinking water.

The threats to our health, lives, and economy will only intensify. Proposition 4 offers a proactive approach to disaster prevention. As a scientist and a firefighter, we strongly encourage support for Prop. 4 on the November ballot.

Prop. 4 proposes $1.5 billion to create fire breaks, improve forest health, and deploy early detection systems. Additionally, it allocates $3.8 billion for safe drinking water, addressing contaminants, recharging aquifers, and upgrading infrastructure.

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Comprehensive Measures to Combat Climate Change

Prop. 4 also dedicates $1.2 billion to help communities tackle rising seas. San Diego has pioneered natural protections like dune restoration at Cardiff State Beach, safeguarding Highway 101 from tidal and storm surge events. These efforts could be expanded through Prop. 4.

Wetland restoration at the San Dieguito Lagoon is another example, absorbing floodwaters and providing wildlife habitats. With projections showing an increase in high tide flooding, such investments are crucial. San Diego could face up to 50 days of high tide flooding by 2057.

Key allocations in Prop. 4 include:

• $170 million for the Salton Sea Management Program
• $73 million for the San Diego River Conservancy
• $50 million for watershed and water quality projects on the Tijuana and New rivers

These funds aim directly at addressing the region’s unique challenges. Across California, the climate crisis affects us all, with rising megafires and economic damages. Prop. 4 seeks to mitigate these impacts.

Economic and Health Impacts of Wildfires

In this new era of megafires, 19 of the top 20 largest wildfires in California have occurred since 2000. These fires have burned vast areas, causing over $100 billion in annual damages and $5 billion in state costs. Wildfires have become a significant economic burden.

The 2020 fire season alone burned over 4 million acres, negating nearly two decades of emission reductions. A UCLA study revealed that prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke has resulted in over 50,000 deaths and $400 billion in economic damages. Our ability to breathe clean air is at risk.

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Access to clean drinking water is also jeopardized. Watersheds damaged by wildfires contaminate water supplies. Dwindling snowpacks and erratic rain cycles could reduce State Water Project deliveries by nearly 25% over the next 20 years. This scarcity will impact millions.

Prop. 4 provides solutions to these pressing issues. By investing in prevention, we can protect communities and economies while maintaining lower costs for taxpayers. A better future is within our reach.

Community and Environmental Support for Prop. 4

Organizations like Clean Water Action and the Coalition for Clean Air stand behind Prop. 4. The proposition aims to address the interconnected challenges of wildfires, water scarcity, and rising sea levels. Support from environmental and community groups underscores its importance.

Firefighters and scientists also back Prop. 4, recognizing the need for proactive measures. Preventing disasters is more cost-effective than responding to them. Investing in Prop. 4 means investing in our future.

Funding will directly benefit the San Diego area, tackling specific local issues. The Salton Sea Management Program and other initiatives will help mitigate climate impacts. These targeted efforts are critical.

Prop. 4 represents a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation and mitigation. By addressing wildfire risks and water scarcity, we can build a more resilient future. Support for Prop. 4 is support for sustainable progress.

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