Environmental Studies
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Altering the atmosphere could fight climate change, but is it worth the risk? Who gets to decide?
As solar geoengineering technology becomes increasingly viable, public participation in its governance will be essential. A new book shares strategies for supporting public voice.
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Thinking about trading your car in for an EV? Here’s a compelling new reason to do it now
Research shows the carbon emissions benefits are far greater than you might imagine.
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Jessica Lum to serve as UC Santa Cruz’s sixth alumni regent
Since graduating from UC Santa Cruz, Jessica Lum (Rachel Carson ’09, environmental studies and economics) has built a career in external affairs, serving mission-driven organizations, non-profit trade associations, and government. She began her two-year term as an alumni regent earlier this month.
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Nine projects receive seed funding from the Genomics Institute
From listening to the electrical signals of fungal networks in fire-scarred forests to training AI models that can interpret the most complex regions of the human genome, this year’s cohort is using genomics in bold new applications.
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Beach season is here—just not for everyone
Marine and social scientists at UC Santa Cruz explain why privileged people enjoy more recreational, economic, and emotional benefits of the ocean than underresourced groups, and offer holistic remedies
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La temporada de playa ya está aquí—pero no para todos
Científicos marinos y sociales de la UC Santa Cruz explican por qué las personas privilegiadas disfrutan de más beneficios recreativos, económicos y emocionales del océano que los grupos con menos recursos, y ofrecen soluciones holísticas
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More colorful songbirds face higher extinction risk
The bird pet trade seems to account for some, but not all, of this connection
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Coexisting with mountain lions
Research reveals how big cats and outdoor recreation can safely share spaces
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Social Sciences Division honors student awardees at annual luncheon
On June 5 at the Cowell Ranch Historic Hay Barn, the Division of Social Sciences hosted its annual student awards luncheon to honor and recognize changemakers making a difference through their academic and research excellence.
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UCSC’s Right Livelihood Center empowers the next generation of activists
The Right Livelihood Center at UC Santa Cruz offers students a range of opportunities to connect with global visionaries. Students Natalie Capobres (Kresge ’26, environmental studies) and Kevin Lin (Kresge ’26, community studies) share their experiences.
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Grants support DIY irrigation and smart, electric tractors for specialty crop growers
Two projects are receiving support from the USDA 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
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Greener Greenhouses — a Q&A with Katia Obraczka
UC Santa Cruz professor Katia Obraczka’s Greener Greenhouses project uses energy-efficient IoT technology to precisely monitor greenhouse conditions, helping growers reduce water and energy use while improving crop production.