UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation

The NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration NIHHIS Center for Heat Resilient Communities is now accepting applications for its inaugural cohort of local governments, NGOs, tribal and territorial governments, and their departments. The cohort will work collaboratively with researchers and heat leaders from UCLA LCI, Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and other partners to create locally tailored blueprints for heat action aligned with available planning and funding opportunities. Apply by Jan 24. Led by LCI, this first-of-its-kind program will support and collaborate with communities to become more resilient to heat and develop recommendations on how federal partners can support local heat resilience initiatives. Using new tools developed by a team of over 50 diverse researchers, practitioners, and community leaders, participating communities will leave the program with locally specific strategies and a list of “shovel-ready” actions to take. To apply now and see updates on the application process, visit https://lnkd.in/g28vtUTy. To learn more: Join our webinar this Thursday, November 21st: https://lnkd.in/eGGsC_-Q Enroll in Center updates by completing an Expression of Interest form: https://lnkd.in/g454g_zP?

I spoke with Ian James for a story on LA City’s water recycling efforts, reflecting on our report released this week. TL; DR: "Because climate uncertainty will be the largest driver of the city’s water shortage, the city must adapt by developing more local, reliable supplies. It’s worth making that investment even though it’s a high cost up-front." https://lnkd.in/g3wK2xHb

As urgency grows to develop climate solutions, a new UCLA LCI report confirms that the wastewater recycling plans for the nation’s second-largest city would make LA more resilient and self-reliant during droughts or disasters that cut off outside water supplies. Using a new methodology able to evaluate hundreds of thousands of scenarios, the UCLA research team led by the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation (LCI) found that the City of Los Angeles plan would significantly boost local water resilience, minimize risks of aging infrastructure and uncertain water imports, and dramatically reduce drought- and earthquake-driven water shortages. The UCLA researchers intend for other cities dependent on imported water, such as Phoenix and Las Vegas, to use the new methodology to shape their own water solutions. LA’s wastewater treatment plan, Pure Water LA/Operation Next, would create a renewable local water source of more than 250,000 acre-feet of clean drinking water, enough for more than half a million households annually. To support the city’s goal to recycle all wastewater by 2035, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power?committed to invest at least $6 billion in this critical infrastructure project. Supporting local water supply transitions is needed not just in Los Angeles, but also in other densely populated urban areas around the world. Nicholas Chow?School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford Greg Pierce The LBJ School of Public Affairs J.R. De Shazo #UCLALuskin Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gwY7cCEQ

UCLA?LCI researchers?Nicholas Chow?and?Greg Pierce found that LA’s plan to invest billions of dollars in wastewater recycling infrastructure (Pure Water LA/Operations Next)will 1) significantly bolster local water supply resilience; 2) improve resilience to uncertain water imports; 3) significantly reduce earthquake-driven water shortages; and 4) offer substantial regional economic benefits.?#UCLALuskin School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, UCLA Climate Science, The LBJ School of Public Affairs, J.R. De Shazo Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gwY7cCEQ

#SEJournalVoicesofEnvironmentalJustice talked with our co-executive director Colleen Callahan about the fed's landmark commitment to climate and investment justice under President Biden and VP Harris.

Calling all UCLA graduate students passionate about the environment! Join us for our annual Environmental Graduate Students Mixer on Oct 29 from 5-7 PM at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. Make connections, share ideas, and explore opportunities across UCLA. Food and drinks will be provided. Register now: https://lnkd.in/gkwsuM3w UCLA Environment | UCLA Anderson Center for Impact | Emmett Institute on Climate Change & the Environment

"What’s on Tap: LA’s Water Story…Source to Spigot", co-curated by Edith de Guzman, was a powerful exploration of LA's relationship with water, blending art and education to highlight key issues like water equity, conservation, and resilience. From panel discussions to interactive exhibits, this series deepened our understanding of the city's water past and future. If you missed the event, catch up on the key takeaways and insights in our recap here: https://lnkd.in/gPnu-wh9 UCLA | UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs

We’re excited to announce that UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation is now on Instagram! Follow us (@luskincenterforinnovation) for special updates on our research, student opportunities, and other news. https://lnkd.in/gXkEeE9T UCLA | UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs

Congrats Caroline Menjivar, Green Schoolyards America, UndauntedK12, and other partners on the passing of #SB1091, California's green schoolyards legislation! UCLA LCI's research highlights the need to address dangerously hot schoolyards. https://lnkd.in/ghS6Ecj6 V. Kelly Turner Lauren Dunlap UCLA UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs

California's “climate credit” is putting up to $86 on utility bills this month. LCI's co-executive director Colleen Callahan suggests it’s time to rethink the universal credit as rising costs challenge its impact. Read more in this LAist by Erin Stone: https://lnkd.in/giQGX8AR UCLA | UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs