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Upper-ocean warming is changing the global wave climate, making waves stronger
January 14, 2019
The energy in ocean waves has been increasing as a consequence of climate change, according to a new study.
UC Santa Cruz researchers contribute to new assessment of Central Coast climate impacts
August 29, 2018
Nearly a dozen UC Santa Cruz researchers contributed to a new state-issued report that assesses the dire impacts of climate change throughout California.
Fixing damaged ecosystems: How much does restoration help?
February 28, 2018
A new meta-analysis of 400 studies that document recovery from large-scale ecosystem disturbances worldwide suggests that while ecosystems can bounce back, they rarely mend completely, with the final stages of recovery being most difficult.
Art professor Newton Harrison featured in Sentinel
February 25, 2018
Newton Harrison discusses the ecological art movement and environmental change since 1969 in the Sentinel.
At the nexus of food, energy, and water: Elliot Campbell bridges the research gap
February 21, 2018
Elliott Campbell is an environmental engineer who is drawn to research at the nexus of food, water, and energy.
Climate Conference features visionary artist and Smithsonian biologist
February 09, 2018
The fifth annual Climate Science and Policy Conference presented by UC Santa Cruz brings together a visionary artist and a Smithsonian scientist for an engaging, interdisciplinary conversation about how humans and ecosystems will cope on a warming planet.
Polar bears finding it harder to catch enough seals to meet energy demands
February 01, 2018
As climate change alters their environment a growing number of polar bears are unable to catch enough fat-rich prey to meet their energy needs.
New book edited by environmental studies professor examines historical context of BRICS nations
January 25, 2018
Co-edited by Ravi Rajan, The Great Convergence: An Environmental History of BRICS shows how Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa can come together to deal with environmental challenges
Politics professor studies opportunities for climate governance
January 23, 2018
Sikina Jinnah shares her thoughts about what climate governance looks like and ways to implement environmentally-sound policies.
Environmental Studies research and education coordinator Damian Parr featured in Modern Farmer
January 23, 2018
Damian Parr discusses the current state of agricultural education with Modern Farmer.
New catalyst for hydrogen production is a step toward clean fuel
January 16, 2018
A novel material developed at UC Santa Cruz has shown impressive performance as a catalyst for the electrochemical splitting of water to produce hydrogen.
How birds' genes influence adaptation to climate change
January 08, 2018
Biologists involved in the Bird Genoscape Project are racing against time to find out the potential for adaptation in vulnerable populations of birds.
How birds' genes influence adaptation to climate change
January 08, 2018
Biologists involved in the Bird Genoscape Project are racing against time to find out the potential for adaptation in vulnerable populations of birds.
NSF I-Corps pushes discoveries to market
January 03, 2018
Professor Sue Carter testified before congressional leaders on NSF Innovation Corps, which assists scientists and engineers in discovering commercial applications for their research.
Heart monitors on wild narwhals reveal alarming responses to stress
December 07, 2017
As sea ice melts, new findings add to concerns about the effects of ocean noise and increased human activity on deep-diving Arctic whales.
Study reveals structure and origins of glacial polish on Yosemite's rocks
November 15, 2017
Glaciers left smooth shiny surfaces on many of the rock formations in Yosemite, and geologists now understand how this 'glacial polish' formed.
Solar greenhouses generate electricity and grow crops at the same time, UC Santa Cruz study reveals
November 03, 2017
The first crops of tomatoes and cucumbers grown inside electricity-generating solar greenhouses were as healthy as those raised in conventional greenhouses, signaling that "smart" greenhouses hold great promise for dual-use farming and renewable electricity production.
Scientists identify hotspots of coastal risks in Latin America and the Caribbean
November 02, 2017
500,000 people are at high risk from coastal hazards, according to a new study by researchers at UC Santa Cruz and the University of Cantabria, Spain.
ENVS prof Elliott Campbell receives global environmental change award
November 01, 2017
Elliott Campbell, associate professor of environmental studies, will receive a 2017 Global Environmental Change Early Career Award from the American Geophysical Union during its December meeting in New Orleans.
Geologist Gary Griggs publishes two new books on coastal issues
October 26, 2017
'The Edge' focuses on California’s unique coastline, while 'Coasts in Crisis' offers a global perspective on the issues facing coastal regions throughout the world.
Migration, climate, housing among the topics featured during fifth annual UC Santa Cruz Research Frontiers Evening Oct. 26
October 16, 2017
Six UC Santa Cruz researchers who are tackling "key issues of the 21st century" will be featured during the fifth annual Division of Social Sciences Research Frontiers Evening on October 26.
New faculty further campus scholarship, research
September 26, 2017
The new professors, spread across all five divisions, further build on campus strengths in many key areas.
Coastal wetlands dramatically reduce property losses during hurricanes
August 31, 2017
A new scientific study reports that coastal wetlands significantly reduce annual flood losses and catastrophic damages from storms.
American pika disappears from large area of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains
August 30, 2017
Study documents local extinction of pikas from the largest area yet reported and projects climate change will cause drastic decline for the charismatic mammal within decades
Century-old seal pelts reveal changes in Ross Sea ecosystem
August 29, 2017
Scientists found valuable samples for comparison to modern Weddell seals in the huts of Antarctic explorers Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott.
Giving fish a fighting chance
August 29, 2017
Alumnus Brycen Swart identified how warmer river temperatures were hurting Chinook salmon fry—and he earned a medal for conserving them.
'Sierra' magazine names UC Santa Cruz a ‘Cool School’
August 25, 2017
Coming in at No.23, the ranking underscored UC Santa Cruz’s strong commitment to protecting the environment, addressing climate change, and encouraging sustainability.
Florida flood risk study identifies priorities for property buyouts
August 17, 2017
A study of flood damage in Florida proposes prioritizing property buyouts based on flood risk, ecological value, and socioeconomic conditions.
UCSC arts research center awarded $250,000 grant from U.S. Forest Service
July 17, 2017
The U.S. Forest Service has awarded a $250,000 grant to the Center for the Study of the Force Majeure, a research center based in the Arts Division at UC Santa Cruz.
Ronnie Lipschutz appointed to chair in integral ecology and environmental justice
May 30, 2017
Ronnie Lipschutz, professor of politics and provost of Rachel Carson College, was honored as the inaugural holder of the Robert Headley Presidential Chair for Integral Ecology and Environmental Justice.
Climate scientist James Zachos elected to National Academy of Sciences
May 02, 2017
Election to the academy is one of the highest honors a U.S. scientist can receive.
Sikina Jinnah named a 2017 Andrew Carnegie Fellow
April 26, 2017
Sikina Jinnah, associate professor of politics, was awarded a 2017 Andrew Carnegie Fellowship, one of the most prestigious awards available to scholars in the social sciences and humanities.
Lyme disease researchers seek consensus as number of cases grows
April 24, 2017
Reported cases of Lyme disease in the United States have tripled in the past 20 years.
UC launches climate video series featuring UCSC alumnus M. Sanjayan
April 19, 2017
Climate Lab is an innovative six-part video series on climate change solutions produced in partnership with Vox.
Climate experts release latest science on sea level rise projections
April 14, 2017
A report led by UCSC geologist Gary Griggs addresses how much the ocean will rise along California's coast in coming decades.
Rescuing data and shoring up environmental agencies in the Trump era
March 22, 2017
Sociologist Lindsey Dillon is part of a network of data champions monitoring federal websites to preserve scientific data and track changes made by the Trump administration.
Water wizards: Building an underground savings account to bolster water supply
March 22, 2017
An innovative water-conservation strategy diverts water from overflowing rivers to fallow farmland, where it seeps into the soil and replenishes depleted aquifers.
Tropical reforestation and climate change
March 16, 2017
Tropical reforestation is an important part of the global effort to mitigate climate change, but ecologist Karen Holl says current international goals may be overly ambitious.
Flowering times shift with loss of species from a grassland ecosystem
March 13, 2017
Loss of biodiversity may exacerbate changes in the timing of biological events already being driven by climate change, study finds.
Reef madness: A coral grows at UC Santa Cruz
March 10, 2017
Hundreds of students and community members are contributing their handiwork to the Crochet Coral Reef, a massive participatory art project that combines higher geometry with handicraft while calling attention to the disappearing wonders of the marine world.
Study supports increased funding for long-term ecological research
March 08, 2017
Despite critical importance to scientists and policymakers, funding for long-term ecological and environmental studies has declined while funding for short-term studies has increased.
High-tech sensors monitor ecosystems in climate change research program
October 21, 2016
UC Santa Cruz scientists lead a UC-wide consortium using the Natural Reserve System as a climate impacts laboratory.
Climate Science and Policy Conference 2016
January 1, 2016
Expect the unexpected was a key message from UC Santa Cruz’s third annual climate science and policy conference, hosted by the divisions of social sciences and physical and biological sciences Feb. 26 and 27.
Focus of climate change discussions shifts from mitigation to adaptation
March 16, 2015
UC Santa Cruz climate conference addresses coastal resilience and 'wicked tradeoffs.'
Climate Science and Policy Conference 2015
February 24, 2015
UC Santa Cruz will host a major national conference on climate change on Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14, featuring top climate scientists and policy experts from across the country in a series of talks and panel discussions.
UC Santa Cruz leads UC effort to study effects of climate change on ecosystems
December 10, 2014
A $1.9 million grant from the new UC President's Research Catalyst Awards will fund a UC-wide institute on climate impacts.
Climate Science and Policy Conference 2014
February 7, 2014
UCSC climate conference draws distinguished scientists, policymakers