Strategic Research Initiative: Environment of California and Beyond

California faces a suite of complex current and future environmental challenges, including problems with fires that cost the state approximately $80 billion in 2019. Projects in this theme respond to the urgent need for research-informed strategies, collaborations, and outreach to overcome these challenges, with particular emphasis on the consequences of wildland-urban interface fires, the blue economy and climate change with strong justice, economic, social, and environmental benefits.  

View the Environment of California and Beyond Theme Flyer Here!

Blue Economy and Climate Resiliency, PIs Ben Ruttenberg and Erin Pearse 

This project develops research strategies and inform policy that can help us overcome the challenges of climate change and its impacts on our local community, the state of California, and beyond, with specific emphasis on the blue economy and climate change with strong justice, economic, social, and environmental benefits 

Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fires, PIs Chris Dicus and Chris Pascual 

This project support collaborative research, education, and outreach needed to mitigate the consequences of Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fires on life, property, infrastructure, social fabric, and the economy in California.