California needs policies to protect communities moving to renewable energy
Without careful planning, the shift to green power could cost more and strain the state’s grid.
Environment + Climate
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Q&A: On the environment, President-elect Biden is cause for optimism
UCLA’s Ann Carlson said the new administration should be able to rebuild protections, even with a narrowly divided Congress.
Extreme rainfall projected to get more severe, frequent with warming
A UCLA-led study found that climate and population changes could expose millions more to severe flooding in the continental U.S.
Himalayan glaciers melting because of high-altitude dust
Dust from as far away as Saudi Arabia is carried by winds to the Himalayan snowpack, where it accelerates glacial warming and snowmelt, scientists say.
What the wildfires tell us about the shortcomings of California’s electric grid
UCLA’s Eric Fournier explains why the state’s infrastructure isn’t well suited for such extreme conditions — and what improvements are needed.
Faculty, students co-produce documentary on bipartisan environmental solutions
Working with Los Angeles public television station KCET, the UCLA group seeks to show paths toward sustainability.
Fighting the health effects of climate change is the mission for new UCLA center
The unit “will help us build a safer, cleaner and more equitable city and world,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
Marilyn Raphael takes helm at UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability
Professor of geography and expert in climate change and atmospheric dynamics around Antartica helped found the institute in the 1990s.
Practicing sustainability during a pandemic
UCLA’s Bonny Bentzin offers encouragement for those who, thanks to the pandemic, see the word “reusable” and think “infected.”
Tiny endangered shrimp may get big hand from environmental DNA testing
The method saves time and money and doesn't require sacrificing endangered animals. All that’s needed is a few ounces of water from their habitat.
A warming California sets the stage for future floods
A UCLA study finds that continued climate change will deliver a dangerous one-two punch for state’s water managers.
Awareness campaign helps Angelenos benefit from financial and environmental assistance programs
UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation report shows that outreach is effective in connecting programs with lower-income residents.
Jet aircraft exhaust linked to preterm births
A UCLA study has found that women exposed to high levels of airplane exhaust near LAX are 14% more likely to give birth prematurely.
Natural gas flaring poses pregnancy risks
Researchers at UCLA and USC found exposure to gas burnoff at oil and gas production sites is associated with a 50% greater risk for preterm births.
Researchers receive Department of Energy grant to transform carbon dioxide into construction materials
CO2Concrete, developed by UCLA engineers, is made in part from emissions captured from power plants and other sources.
Discovery opens up new path in study of marine evolution and biodiversity
Two UCLA studies of ocean mollusks shed light on how new species may emerge through a phenomenon known as host-switching.
Clean energy revolution may leave disadvantaged communities behind
Affluent neighborhoods use more energy and reap greater benefits from government incentive programs, a new UCLA study shows.
Risk of massive wildfires continues to grow in California
If carbon emissions aren’t curbed in the next few years, researchers say, severe autumn fires will build in frequency and intensity.
On-the-ground guidance for L.A.’s far-reaching climate strategy
Scientists and a robot named MaRTy tested the city’s new Cool Streets program and made a surprising discovery.
Will our clean air last after COVID-19? UCLA study says it’s possible
Achieving net-zero emissions in California by 2050 can prevent thousands of deaths annually, researchers say.
UCLA students take first place in national EPA stormwater treatment design competition
The team proposed a redesign of certain elements of a Los Angeles elementary school to improve its environmental sustainability.
L.A. County’s biodiversity is on the map, thanks to UCLA researchers
The online atlas supports efforts to better understand the region’s habitats, which could influence global conservation efforts.
Earth’s atmosphere far dustier than previously believed
Predictive models have grossly underestimated the amount of climate-changing coarse dust, UCLA scientists say.
Deforestation surged following end of armed conflict in Colombia
Many forested areas used by insurgents for camouflage and cover were later decimated by illegal industries.
Researchers create framework for evaluating environmental stopgap measures
The study looked at tactics that will not fully solve climate change but could mitigate the damage while longer-term solutions are implemented.