Extreme heat, drought, coastal flooding and poor air quality could threaten the city, according to the recently released “City of Long Beach Climate Resiliency Assessment Report.”

Climate change and its potential impact on Long Beach will be on the agenda Tuesday night when the City Council learns more about the report, called for by Mayor Robert Garcia and undertaken by the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Garcia and Aquarium President and CEO Jerry R. Schubel on Monday met with reporters at City Hall to discuss findings in the report.

“Woe is us if we don’t learn how to adapt to a different world that’s really upon us right now,” Schubel said.

The findings were put together by a team of researchers from universities, air quality and water agencies, public health and other government sectors. Much of the report is based on climate models and previous research.

Drought

The report says demand for water in Long Beach is not expected to increase significantly by 2050, in light of a projected low rate of population increase, but the demand could spike if imported water supplies from watersheds become more scarce and less reliable.

About 40 percent of Long Beach’s water supply is from imported sources, with 53 percent coming from groundwater and 7 percent in the form of recycled water. According to the report, while imported water is more financially sound than expanding water lines, investing in recycled water expansion would increase the city’s self-reliance. The report also urges continued water conservation efforts in the city.

Extreme heat

The city currently sees about four days a year above 95 degrees, but that could grow to 37 by the end of the century, according to the report, which acknowledges that all forecasts are “based upon computer models and different greenhouse gas reduction scenarios.”

The report says Long Beach is near the low end of extreme heat impacts, because of its proximity to the ocean, but in addition to its public cooling areas, which are typically located in community centers, the city should plant more trees and shade structures.

Coastal flooding

The report says the Peninsula and Alamitos Bay are most vulnerable to coastal flooding brought on by storms or high tides, which could be compounded by a rising sea level caused by glacier melting and increased ocean temperatures.

Going forward, researchers suggest strategies including restricted development in vulnerable areas, clustered development in low-risk areas, and warning notices for developers and buyers.

“While uncertainty exists as to how climate change and sea level rise will play out in Long Beach in detail, we know enough to begin to take action,” the report says.

Deterioration of air quality

According to the report, Long Beach fares much better than most cities within the region in terms of ozone and particulate matter emissions, mainly due to geography and weather patterns.

“The effects of climate change on air quality have not been studied broadly,” the report says. “It is thought that with higher temperatures, persistent drought conditions, increased economic activity, and higher populations, the air quality will deteriorate in the future compared to current conditions.”

Data shows the west and north sides of Long Beach are most affected by poor air quality, and they are also areas with the most incidents of poverty, asthma and low birth weight, according to the report.

Looking ahead

Researchers urged the city to complete risk assessments, and develop and implement an adaptation plan.

The report was paid for by the Aquarium, according to Schubel, who added that he didn’t know the total cost of the study, but one expert was paid an honorarium, and most who participated were friends of the Aquarium.

Garcia said the city needs to work on climate issues, with a vision for the next 50 years. Last year he signed onto the Compact of Mayors, a product of the 2014 United Nations Climate Summit, bringing together municipal leaders committed to cutting emissions

“Climate change is real, climate change is happening and climate change will have an impact on Long Beach,” he said. “And I think those things are important. Those are the facts and now we need to work to address those.”