Human-set fires 13,000 years ago led to extinction of megafauna in Southern California August 18, 2023 Research by UCLA and La Brea Tar Pits scientists upends theory that saber-toothed cats, other large mammals were hunted out of existence.
How do smoke, smog affect birds? New initiative invites Californians to help find out July 18, 2023 Project Phoenix, which launches today, was developed by UCLA and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
Wildfires drive L.A.’s mountain lions to take deadly risks October 20, 2022 In seeking alternative habitats, the endangered animals are more likely to experience dangerous — and fatal — encounters with freeways and foes.
Dangerous combination of extreme heat and smoke affected 16.5 million Californians August 25, 2022 With climate change, these dual exposures and related health problems will only increase, say researchers who studied the 2020 fire season.
Six professors receive UCLA Public Impact Research Awards May 19, 2022 The Office of Research & Creative Activities is honoring faculty for work that connects campus to local and global communities.
Climate change increases risk of devastating debris flows after wildfires in western U.S. April 7, 2022 Research co-authored by UCLA’s Daniel Swain finds that extreme precipitation conditions are projected to increase in the coming decades.
Even in Southern California, wildfire frequency is likely to increase by end of century February 17, 2022 Regionally tailored responses will be required to reduce the risk over the next several decades.
Days with hazardous levels of air pollutants are more common due to increase in wildfires January 19, 2022 In the Western U.S., the health risks from ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter continue to grow.
Increasingly frequent wildfires linked to human-caused climate change, UCLA-led study finds November 4, 2021 The research focuses on the factors contributing to a key climate variable called vapor pressure deficit.
Reduced humidity increases wildfire threat in Southwest United States June 17, 2021 Atmospheric moisture decreased by a third in California and Nevada, study finds.
Law students’ research helps shape California wildfires bill June 3, 2021 The work was part of a legal clinic in the UCLA School of Law’s Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment.
How do you know if the wildfires are making you sick? September 16, 2020 UCLA pulmonologist Reza Ronaghi explains how wildfires affect air quality and what precautions people can take.
What the wildfires tell us about the shortcomings of California’s electric grid September 16, 2020 UCLA’s Eric Fournier explains why the state’s infrastructure isn’t well suited for such extreme conditions — and what improvements are needed.
Risk of massive wildfires continues to grow in California June 10, 2020 If carbon emissions aren’t curbed in the next few years, researchers say, severe autumn fires will build in frequency and intensity.
UCLA experts explain why California is burning in December December 12, 2017 Record-breaking weather consistent with climate change is fanning the flames.
Increase your Southern California weather IQ August 6, 2015 Catalina eddy? June gloom? Santa Ana winds? UCLA staff meteorologist James Murakami defines common Southern California weather terms.