Governance and climate adaptation

Assessing the State and Efficacy of Climate Governance Research and Practice in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

Jessica Rudnick, Tanya Heikkila, Elizabeth Koebele, Tiffany Morrison, and Chelsea Batavia

Article link: https://doi.org/10.15447/sfews.2025v23iss1art2

The efficiency, efficacy, and equity of governance systems’ responses to climate change can vary dramatically based on their structure and processes. The Delta’s governance system is largely “polycentric,” meaning it encompasses numerous resource domains, is distributed across many entities, and includes multiple scales of decision-making. This can improve opportunities for learning, innovation, and broad participation but requires strong coordination mechanisms. Furthermore, Delta governance must contend with challenges such as legacy policies (e.g., water rights) and long-standing conflicts resulting from the over-allocation of limited natural resources.