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Working together allows us to go further, faster. This priority serves to encourage collaboration and demonstrate the state’s commitment to achieve equitable climate adaptation action through partnerships.
Governments, public agencies, and communities at all levels are impacted by climate change and have some responsibility to help California adapt. No single government or entity is fully “in charge” of building climate resilience and can lead this effort alone. In the case of climate driven catastrophic wildfires, for example, multiple government agencies play important roles: federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service; state agencies like CAL FIRE and state conservancies; California Native American tribes, and local county and city governments. Additionally, non-governmental entities including Fire Safe Councils, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Resource Conservation Districts, timber companies, neighborhood councils, and other groups contribute to local and regional fire resilience.
Partnerships, coordination, and collaboration in our efforts to build climate resilience are essential given the diversity of threats California faces and the vast array of entities that are focused on building our resilience to these threats. All entities – from individuals, to tribal, local, regional and state governments, to community-based organizations and the private sector – hold a piece of the puzzle and must work together to leverage each other’s strengths and actions in response to the climate crisis.
Collaborative approaches to resilience can anchor equity in California’s climate efforts by welcoming the perspective of vulnerable communities to shape planning, projects, and investments. Building partnerships with diverse entities can also support capacity-building by creating networks for information-sharing and other support. Deepening relationships with vulnerable communities will advance equity outcomes in resilience efforts and have broader equity benefits by earning the trust and respect of the communities we serve.