Environmental Studies

  • First puma witnessed using new Highway 17 wildlife tunnel

    First puma witnessed using new Highway 17 wildlife tunnel

    The Mercury News interviewed Environmental Studies Professor Chris Wilmers about the success of a wildlife tunnel that was developed using insights from his research. 

  • In 2023, organized labor became core to the climate movement

    In 2023, organized labor became core to the climate movement

    Grist interviewed Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies J. Mijin Cha about how labor organizing and the renewable energy transition can work together. 

  • Why Climate Advocates Demand a ‘Just Transition’ Away From Fossil Fuels

    Why Climate Advocates Demand a ‘Just Transition’ Away From Fossil Fuels

    Bloomberg interviewed Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies J. Mijin Cha to help explain the concept of a "just transition" away from fossil fuels. 

  • The UAW ratifies a contract — and labor’s road ahead in the EV transition

    The UAW ratifies a contract — and labor’s road ahead in the EV transition

    Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Mijin Cha told Grist that labor organizing efforts within the renewable energy transition must not be framed as obstacles to progress on climate change. “The greed of the fossil fuel industry is what’s stopping the energy transition, not the fact that people want to make a decent wage,” she said.  

  • Predator protector

    Predator protector

    Environmental Studies Professor Chris Wilmers was interviewed by The Mercury News for a story about mountain lion researchers. 

  • Just leaving trees to grow could store a third of our carbon emissions

    Just leaving trees to grow could store a third of our carbon emissions

    Environmental Studies Professor Karen Holl urged caution in interpreting the findings of a new study by other researchers. Holl says the global analysis might miss complicated social and ecological dynamics that determine whether protection or restoration of forests is possible at a local level.

  • Panel discussing desalination in Mexico fails to include environmental impact, Mexican voices

    Panel discussing desalination in Mexico fails to include environmental impact, Mexican voices

    The State Press criticized the methods of an Arizona State University panel on desalination and pointed to UCSC Environmental Studies Professor Brent Haddad's work on the Salton Sea Long Term Planning Project as offering a better model.

  • Why the UAW wants inside the battery factory

    Why the UAW wants inside the battery factory

    Sociology and Environmental Studies Professor Chris Benner told E&E News that the move to electric vehicles "could be a major turning point in labor,” if current organizing efforts are successful in securing favorable wages and working conditions.  

  • GM concession bolsters EV proponents amid auto strike

    GM concession bolsters EV proponents amid auto strike

    Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Mijin Cha spoke with The Hill about the UAW union's efforts to unionize battery plants. “[F]ighting for EV battery manufacturing to be union is really important to show that green jobs can be good jobs and that there is no conflict between addressing climate change and supporting workers,” she said.  

  • “Voices Of Pajaro” Brings South County Reality To UCSC

    “Voices Of Pajaro” Brings South County Reality To UCSC

    Good Times magazine covered an event organized by UCSC's Center for Reimagining Leadership that shared stories and experiences from the Pajaro levee breach and encouraged students to get involved. Astronomy and Astrophysics Professor Enrico Ramirez‑Ruiz is the center's director, and Environmental Studies Professor Sikina Jinnah is associate director.

  • How farmers used California's floods to revive underground aquifers

    How farmers used California's floods to revive underground aquifers

    Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Hannah Waterhouse discussed aquifer water management with KTVZ News Channel 21. 

  • Could power plants fuel alternative aquafeeds?

    Could power plants fuel alternative aquafeeds?

    Aquaculture news organization The Fish Site covered new research by Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Pallab Sarker that will study whether microalgae grown using power plant emissions could be an effective ingredient in feed for trout. Additional coverage in All About Feed.

Last modified: Apr 24, 2025