The 29th annual U.N. climate convention, COP29, began in Azerbaijan with representatives from almost 200 nations negotiating goals to combat climate change. Despite progress, the urgency of the climate crisis demands more action. While global efforts are ongoing, California and UC are leading the way in climate solutions. UC Berkeley researchers found an innovative way to upgrade the electrical grid using carbon fiber, potentially doubling transmission capacity and saving $85 billion. UC Merced's solar canopy project over canals aims to generate 13 gigawatts of electricity, meeting decarbonization goals and saving water. UCLA engineers developed ZeroCAL, a sustainable method to produce almost carbon-free cement, contributing to reducing emissions from building materials. These initiatives highlight California's commitment to climate progress and showcase practical solutions to address the challenges posed by global warming.