Interactive Climate Analysis
Explore detailed climate projections for Santa Cruz 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
- 60-79: Moderate risk
- 40-59: High risk
- 0-39: Severe risk
Factors: wildfires, floods, droughts, extreme heat, geography.
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
Expected warming compared to today's baseline.
- +1°C or less: Noticeable changes
- +1-2°C: Significant impacts
- +2-3°C: Major challenges
- +3°C+: Extreme conditions
Based on IPCC moderate emissions (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 fires
- Medium: Occasional fires
- High: Frequent fires
- Severe: Extreme danger
Based on: vegetation, climate zone, historical patterns, 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)
- Extreme precipitation
- Storm surge potential
- River/watershed flooding
Levels: Low → Medium → High → Severe
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
Water availability vs. demand:
- Low: Abundant water
- Medium: Occasional restrictions
- High: Frequent droughts
- Severe: Chronic shortages
Impacts: higher bills, usage restrictions, potential migration.
Drought conditions & water availability
--Warming temperatures increase evaporation, reducing water availability.
💰 Economic Impact
🏠 Insurance Costs
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Insurance Premium Impact
Expected increase in home/property insurance due to climate risks.
Based on: wildfire, flood, and storm damage trends.
Example: 35% increase means $2,000 premium → $2,700
Some high-risk areas may become uninsurable.
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+ days >95°F)
- Severe storms
- Heavy precipitation
- Cold snaps (if applicable)
More days = disrupted life, higher costs, health risks.
Per year average
These are days when normal activities are disrupted by weather.