Interactive Climate Analysis
Explore detailed climate projections for Santa Barbara below:
📈 Select Projection Year
Drag the slider to see how climate risks evolve over time
Overall Climate Score
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Climate Score (0-100)
A composite measure combining multiple risk factors:
• 80-100: Low risk - minimal climate impacts expected
• 60-79: Moderate risk - some adaptation needed
• 40-59: High risk - significant challenges ahead
• 0-39: Severe risk - major impacts likely
Factors include: wildfires, floods, droughts, extreme heat, and geographic vulnerability.
Higher scores indicate lower climate risk
The Climate Score combines:
- Geographic factors: Latitude, proximity to coast, elevation
- Wildfire vulnerability: Based on climate zone and historical patterns
- Flood risk: Coastal exposure and precipitation patterns
- Water stress: Drought probability in your region
- Temperature trends: Rate of warming expected
Points are deducted for each risk factor. A score of 100 means minimal climate risks across all categories. Lower scores indicate multiple or severe risk factors.
Data sources: NOAA, NASA, IPCC AR6 climate models
🌡️ Temperature Rise
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Temperature Increase
Shows expected warming compared to today's baseline temperature.
• +1°C or less: Noticeable but manageable
• +1-2°C: Significant impacts on daily life
• +2-3°C: Major challenges for infrastructure
• +3°C+: Extreme conditions, potential uninhabitability
Based on IPCC moderate emissions scenario (RCP 4.5).
vs. current baseline
Average: --°C
Every degree matters: +2°C means more heat waves, droughts, and extreme weather events.
🔥 Wildfire Risk
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Wildfire Risk Levels
• Low: Rare occurrence, limited threat
• Medium: Occasional fires, preparation recommended
• High: Frequent fires, evacuation plans needed
• Severe: Extreme fire danger, major property/life risk
Based on: vegetation, climate zone, historical fire patterns, and temperature/drought projections.
Fire season intensity
--Higher temperatures + drought = longer, more intense fire seasons.
💧 Flood Risk
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Flood Risk Assessment
Combines:
• Sea level rise (coastal areas)
• Extreme precipitation events
• Storm surge potential
• River/watershed flooding
• Low: Minimal flooding expected
• Medium: Occasional flooding possible
• High: Regular flood events likely
• Severe: Frequent/catastrophic flooding
Consider flood insurance and elevation when buying property.
Precipitation & sea level
--Coastal cities face sea level rise; inland areas see more intense rainfall.
☀️ Water Stress
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Drought & Water Scarcity
Measures water availability vs. demand:
• Low: Abundant water supply
• Medium: Occasional water restrictions
• High: Frequent droughts, conservation needed
• Severe: Chronic water shortages
Impacts: higher water bills, lawn/agriculture restrictions, potential migration.
Drought conditions & water availability
--Warming temperatures increase evaporation, reducing water availability.
💰 Economic Impact
🏠 Insurance Costs
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Climate Risk Insurance Impact
Shows expected increase in home/property insurance premiums due to climate risks.
• Based on increased wildfire, flood, and storm damage
• Assumes standard home insurance policy
• Some high-risk areas may become uninsurable
Example: A 35% increase means a $2,000 annual premium becomes $2,700.
Multiplier: 1.0x
Climate risks directly impact insurance costs and availability.
⚠️ Extreme Weather Days
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Extreme Weather Events
Annual days with:
• Heat waves (3+ consecutive days >95°F/35°C)
• Severe storms (damaging winds, hail)
• Heavy precipitation (flooding rains)
• Cold snaps (where applicable)
More extreme days = disrupted daily life, higher costs, health risks.
Per year average
These are days when normal activities are disrupted by weather.