Research
Ancient soils hold clues about the Atacama Desert
New analysis led by Professor Ronald Amundson determined that the Atacama Desert began drying out roughly 2 million years ago
Planning for climate resilience in California’s freshwater ecosystems
A new perspective paper co-authored by UC Berkeley researchers highlights the complex interactions of climate and non-climate stressors on California’s freshwater ecosystems.
How urban raccoons adapt to new foraging challenges
A new study led by postdoctoral researcher Lauren Stanton documents how raccoons use innovative problem-solving skills when foraging for food.
Improving the resilience of California’s pinyon-juniper woodlands
Assistant Professor Miranda Redmond is leading a collaborative research project aimed at expanding Indigenous forest stewardship of the culturally important woodland ecosystems.
Unveiling the hidden culprits of air pollution in Los Angeles
A new study led by UC Berkeley researchers found that trees and plants play an important role in the formation of summertime air pollution in the region.
Study shows PFAS threat to drinking water in rural, predominantly Latinx communities
Researchers in the lab of Professor Rachel Morello-Frosch found that public wells in communities of color might be disproportionately contaminated with harmful "forever chemicals."
Historical redlining linked to lower urban wildlife biodiversity in California
Historically redlined neighborhoods in four of California’s largest cities have significantly lower levels of native and non-native wildlife biodiversity compared to their greenlined counterparts.
Water in California’s streams is poorly monitored, impeding effective management
Berkeley researchers identify gaps in California’s stream monitoring network and propose efficient remedies to improve water management
A win-win for people and the environment
A Science study co-authored by Kathryn De Master and Adrian Lu, PhD '20 ESPM, showed that diversified farming practices maintain soil health and on-farm biodiversity while also increasing crop yields, food security, and human wellbeing.
Strengthening nature-based climate solutions at the federal level
In a new PNAS opinion, ESPM professors Dennis Baldocchi and Trevor Keenan join leading experts in recommending ways to strengthen the scientific foundation for Nature-based Climate Solutions.
Insects, algae and our changing climate
A new PNAS study led by ESPM's Albert Ruhi and Kyle Leathers suggests that drought may reshape California's mountain waterways—and the ecosystems that depend on them—by the end of the century.
White House rule dramatically deregulated wetlands, streams, and drinking water
New research co-authored by ESPM professor Manuela Girotto uses machine learning to reveal which streams and wetlands are protected—or not—by changing Clean Water Act regulations.
Changing animal feed could improve sustainability
A study co-authored by ESPM’s Paolo D ‘Odorico shows that using agricultural byproducts in animal feed could save significant land and water resources.
UC Berkeley joining new statewide biodiversity research alliance
ESPM professor Christopher Schell will help coordinate a three-year effort to enhance biodiversity and environmental equity research.
Confronting biodiversity data’s inequities
Several ESPM researchers call attention to how biodiversity data could further entrench systemic inequities.
Toward a New Legacy
ESPM's Berkeley Wildlife faculty are shaping the next era of wildlife and conservation research.
New tool will help policymakers eliminate global plastic pollution
Developed by researchers from the Schmidt Center for Data Science and Environment and UC Santa Barbara, the AI-powered tool explains the expected impact of international policy on plastic pollution.
Climate change could limit the use of controlled burns by 2060
A recent study co-authored by Kristen Shive found that climate change would result in fewer overall days when prescribed fires can be safely lit.
Quantifying the risk reduction value of soil health
Agroecology professor Tim Bowles and colleagues are working to conduct a data-driven valuation of the risk mitigation of improved soil health.
A rainy season wake-up call for bacteria
ESPM researchers Jill Banfield, Mary Firestone, and Ella Sieradzki detail new links between soil viruses and carbon emissions.