What 2024’s record-breaking rainfall says about the next El Niño
Scientists say the stage is set for potentially higher records for extreme rainfall in 2027
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Zuzana Buřivalová wins UCLA’s 10th annual Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award
Using bioacoustics, the conservation scientist has made a global difference for tropical forests and countless lives — human and otherwise
Beating the Heat at UCLA’s Sage Hill
Wildlife visit a bird bath at Sage Hill on the UCLA Campus during a fall heat wave in October 2026.
Yosemite toad killer may be hiding in their own homes
UCLA biologists have discovered a fungus decimating amphibian populations around the world can live-and infect frogs-in their burrows, helping inform a captive rearing and reintroduction program to protect the species.
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Eaton fire smoke triggered surge in airborne toxins: How long did they stay?
A new study from UCLA provides critical insights into how the January 2025 Eaton fire impacted air quality downwind of the fires, highlighting how levels of airborne toxic contaminants spiked and then dissipated as the burning died down.
The Annual UCLA La Kretz Center and Stunt Ranch Reserve Research Awards
The UCLA La Kretz Center & Stunt Ranch Reserve Research Awards is an opportunity for UCLA student scientists to receive funding for research proposals related to environmental, ecological, evolutionary, and/or…
Planting Trees While Rome Burns
There is an urgent need to address the unintended consequences of our pursuit of green and to return to mitigating the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing the root problem.
‘Let the data speak about the impact’: How UCLA experts help monitor air pollution and EV benefits in LA
When communities are asked to trust that environmental projects will improve conditions for their neighborhoods, predictions alone are not enough. Associate Director of the UCLA Institute of the Environment and…
PhD Candidate Highlight: Tyson Timmer examines how sustainability shapes corporate behavior
PhD candidate Tyson Timmer examines how corporate sustainability reporting influences investors, employees and job applicants. His research explores whether greater transparency actually changes decisions and what drives people’s responses to corporate sustainability efforts.
The forgotten places tell us the truth
2026 Pritzker Award finalist Suzanne Pierre reflects on her work
California isn’t using existing tools to make community solar work, study finds
UCLA researchers find that if the state applies existing valuation tools consistently, residents could reap the savings already already enjoyed by other states.
Giving voice to biodiversity at the decision-making table
2026 Pritzker Award finalist Zuzana Buřivalová reflects on her work
‘The most regenerative thing I know’: Q&A with Denica Riadini-Flesch
Wisdom, perspective and inspiration from UCLA’s 2025 Pritzker Award winner
‘OnlyMarms’: Rodents Are Baring A Bit of Fur for Science
Faced with the loss of federal funding, UCLA scientists turned to an unexpected online platform to buoy their landmark long-term marmot study
UCLA announces finalists for tenth annual Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award
Zuzana Buřivalová, Doris Njagi and Suzanne Pierre named 2026 Pritzker Award Finalists Ahead of October 8 award ceremony.
Raymond Archuleta: Personal growth, self-discovery, and community-building as a veteran student
Ever since he was a child, Raymond Archuleta knew he wanted to work in medicine.
PhD Graduate Highlight: Emma Barnosky looks at the social and political dimensions of fire management
Emma Barnosky's PhD research at UCLA explores the human side of wildfire, examining how Californians experience, understand, and recover from increasingly destructive fires.
Meet the 2026 Pritzker Environmental Genius Award candidates #11-15
The final five nominees for this year’s Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award are making an impact in their own unique ways, including launching “critical ecology” as a new field of study, advocating…
Meet the 2026 Pritzker Environmental Genius Award candidates #6-10
The next five nominees for this year’s Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award share a similarly kaleidoscopic spectrum of interest areas, including investing in ocean conservation, developing cutting-edge wildlife census tools and amplifying…
Meet the 2026 Pritzker Environmental Genius Award candidates #1–5
The first five nominees for this year’s Pritzker Emerging Environmental Genius Award display an impressive scope of vision, everything from protecting pangolins and sloths to reimagining a more sustainable fashion industry. While…
Can Cities Be Ecosystems? In Conversation with Dr. Stephanie Pincetl
What would it mean to design cities that actually sustain us?
Introducing POWERLESS: Loudoun County as a Case Study for Data Centers as a Local Paradigm
"I don’t see the birds in the morning anymore." Gregory Pirio, a longtime Loudoun County resident, explained his experience living near a data center. Greg isn’t the only one reeling…
Application Open for the 2027 La Kretz Center Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Applications must be submitted by September 28th to qualify for the two year fellowship.
Mapping Faith, Flourishing, and the Environment in Los Angeles
Modern scientific research and its discourse fails to adequately embrace the emotional, spiritual and affective impacts of the existential issues of Earth’s future habitability.
CDLS Summer Events 2026
The CDLS Summer Events 2026 flyer is at the bottom of this page for you to download and share. We look forward to seeing you. Email cdls@ucla.edu if you have…
PhD Graduate Spotlight: Elijah Catalan centers community needs in his scientific research
Six years after arriving at UCLA, Dr. Elijah Catalan has graduated from the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability (IoES) with a Ph.D, a growing body of marine conservation research,…
IoES Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony
The UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability celebrated the Class of 2026 during the commencement ceremony on June 14th in Ackerman Grand Ballroom, honoring graduates from the Environmental Science…