After a multi-year effort, a comprehensive climate and natural resources bond will go to the voters.

Culminating years of work, and after a concerted legislative push, a $10 billion bond act to fund a multiplicity of important programs was placed on the ballot by the Legislature and Governor. With California’s roller coaster of budget surpluses and deficits, more reliable funding for climate resilience is vital. Proposition 4 will, among other things, fund habitat protection, urban parks, water supply and quality, fire prevention, sustainable fishing practices, and measures for sea level rise and extreme heat. Forty percent of expenditures must benefit disadvantaged communities.

The situation for land protection is especially dire. The state Wildlife Conservation Board, which funds land purchase, has stopped accepting applications due to lack of funds. Proposition 4’s passable is “make or break” for California’s wildlife.