INSTITUTE OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
Moving Science to Action
Launching global environmental solutions from urban Los Angeles
MAGAZINE
UCLA students dig into Santa Monica Pier’s waste problem
If global food waste were a country, it would be the third highest emitter of greenhouse gases, behind only China and the United States. A team of UCLA students investigated the problem this year in one of the most iconic places in California. The Santa Monica Pier, with nine million yearly visitors, is a visible...
Q&A with Debbie Levin, architect of green cars’ red carpet moment
For businesses looking to promote green products, a major turning point came during the Academy Awards at the beginning of the 21st century. As millions watched worldwide, celebrities dressed to the nines climbed out of — not limousines — but hybrid Toyota Priuses. The architect of that made-for-TV moment was Environmental Media Association (EMA) CEO...
Invasive crayfish lead to more mosquitoes and risk of disease in Southern California
Research finds the crayfish disrupt native predators that eat mosquito larvae
EVENTS
8.16.2018
The Green Bundle
Thursday, August 16 7:30-8:30pm conversation 8:30-9:30pm reception with wine provided by Fetzer Vineyards La Kretz Garden Pavilion UCLA Botanical Gardens Join UCLA environmental economist Magali A. Delmas, writer David Colgan, Environmental Media Association President & CEO Debbie Levin and Elizabeth Drake of Bonterra Organic Vineyards as we dive into specific ways companies can use the The Green Bundle’s strategies to reach a...
8.20.2018
Desalination: Should salt water play a role in our sustainable future?
Sixty percent of L.A.County’s water comes from hundreds of miles away. Obtaining and transporting trillions of gallons each year requires a lot of energy and puts enormous strain on ecosystems and human communities upstream. Meanwhile, climate change is about to up the ante. Almost two-thirds of the California’s fresh water comes from the Sierra Nevada,...
EDUCATION
A Diverse, Practice-Based Education
This innovative, dual-component program offers both breadth and depth through a solid foundation in natural science and a focus on understanding environmental issues across earth, atmospheric, life, and social sciences.
Practicum Project
Drone-based damage assessment of utility scale photovoltaic solar facilities
Practicum Project
Assessing the strength of kelp and seagrass in mitigating ocean acidification
Senior Practicum
The program pairs teams of five to seven students with a faculty member or other environmental expert. Then it connects them with clients ranging from the Natural Resources Defense Council to Taylor Guitars.
RESEARCH
Generating Knowledge & Providing Solutions
We leverage connections and partnerships throughout the UCLA network to focus teams of diverse talents on today’s most urgent problems.
The Green Bundle: Pairing the Market with the Planet
The market for green products has expanded rapidly over the last decade, but most consumers need something more than eco-benefits to motivate their purchases. Magali A. Delmas and David Colgan argue that many green products now offer the total package—a “green bundle” that checks the environmental box, but also offers improved performance, health benefits, savings,...
Bird Genoscape Project
The Center for Tropical Research recently launched the Bird Genoscape Project, an effort to map the population-specific migratory routes of 100 species of migratory songbirds by harnessing the power of genomics.
Environmental Storytelling Collaboration with KCET
LENS has partnered with KCET, the nation's largest independent public media company to produce engaging, research-driven environmental stories.
GIVING
Support Us
State funding cannot cover everything we want to accomplish – we rely on endowments, grants and philanthropic gifts to make up the difference. These additional funds go to the programs, projects and outreach that would otherwise languish. We are immensely grateful for this support.