In a warming world, freshwater production is moving deep beneath the sea Climate change is driving a global boom in desalination as regions turn to the sea for drinking water.

As desalination expands globally, new technologies promise lower environmental impacts—but cost will decide what scales.

Read more in @apnews.com: apnews.com/article/clim...
#UCLA #ResearchPowersProgress #UCLALuskin

The Los Angeles wildfires were ‘the perfect storm’. Is the city ready for the next one? After the devastating fires, neighborhoods pledged to build back stronger and better than before. A year later, they’re still untangling issues

One year after LA’s record wildfires, #UCLA researchers, including @edithdeguzman.bsky.social and @mullinmeg.bsky.social, are helping shape how the city learns from the disaster.

Read in @theguardian.com: www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026... #UCLALuskin

The hydrants will run dry: Trump’s LA fire claims missed the mark, study shows Echoing state and local officials, a new analysis agrees: hydrant failures in the Palisades fire were ‘the rule rather than the exception.’

As highlighted in @laist.com, our research, led by @gregspierce.bsky.social, shows that hydrant limits are common in major urban fires and were not unique to the Palisades fire. However, misinformation spread quickly after that fire.

Read: laist.com/news/climate... #UCLA #UCLALuskin

New reports details disturbing threat lurking in food storage containers: 'Greater exposure than others' The European Food Safety Authority identified how microplastics and nanoplastics are released from food contact materials.

The Cool Down highlights serious concerns over micro- and nanoplastics leaching from everyday food containers – concerns that echo research from #UCLA and underscore the urgent need for stronger regulation and safer packaging practices.

Read more: www.thecooldown.com/sustainable-... #UCLALuskin

Building Equitable Wastewater Solutions in California | UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation UCLA’s Phase 1 report developed data-driven methods and investment frameworks to strengthen sanitation systems and advance water equity statewide.

Our research team is conducting the first-ever, comprehensive assessment of CA’s aging wastewater infrastructure. The Phase 1 report documents our data, methods, and preliminary findings to guide investment strategies.

innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/publication/... #UCLA #UCLALuskin

New state and LAFD reports cite our research on how water systems performed during the 2025 Palisades Fire – and what’s needed to keep pressure stable during future firestorms.

Read in @latimes.com: www.latimes.com/california/s... #UCLA #UCLALuskin

The Top 25 Bruinventions of the 21st Century (So Far) Bruingenuity is on vivid display in myriad inventions that save and improve lives every day. Bonus: gourmet slime!

#UCLA’s new “Top 25 Inventions of the 21st century” list highlights our national Shade Map, created by @vkturner.bsky.social, Isaac Buo, Lana Zimmerman & Jean Claude Iradukunda with @americanforests.bsky.social. A big moment for heat resilience.

Read: newsroom.ucla.edu/magazine/top... #UCLALuskin

Our heat equity experts inform and lead new governance, policy, and program strategies to protect communities and populations vulnerable to heat.

Learn more: innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/heat/ #UCLALuskin #UCLA #ResearchPowersProgress

Collaborative Community Engagement for Post-Disaster Transportation Rebuilding | UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation Opportunities for Los Angeles After the January 2025 Fires…

When fires destroy transportation infrastructure, rebuilding often restores old risks instead of creating improved & safer mobility. Our new research explores how agencies can build meaningful partnerships w/ communities to guide resilient rebuilding

Read the report here: bit.ly/47T0n8W #UCLALuskin

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Beta Release: National Drinking Water Explorer. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. EPIC is excited to release the beta version of our National Drinking Water Explorer. In this interactive discussion, we'll: - Hear from leaders across the country about the need and opportunity of the...

#UCLA’s Grace Harrison will speak tomorrow on the upcoming National Drinking Water Explorer beta launch hosted by EPIC. The tool aims to spotlight where drinking water is safe, affordable, and reliably provided.

🗓️ Nov 18, 3–4:30pm ET
Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #UCLALuskin

During the most significant energy transformation since the Industrial Revolution, our research is shaping policies, programs, and investments that prioritize equity while advancing the transition to 100% renewable energy production.

Learn more: innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/energy/ #UCLALuskin #UCLA

What if art could bring water equity to life?
What’s On Tap: L.A.’s Water Story… Source to Spigot, co-curated by @edithdeguzman.bsky.social, transformed water issues into immersive public experiences.

Read the report: innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/wp-content/u... #UCLA #UCLALuskin @ucanr.edu

#UCLA’s @vkturner.bsky.social tells @time.com that many US schools weren’t built for our warming climate. Heat hurts learning, and classrooms without proper cooling leave kids and teachers exposed.

Read more: time.com/7322746/us-s... #UCLALuskin

Water Systems and Wildfire: Understanding Capacities and Limitations | The Confluence Image

Led by @gregspierce.bsky.social and @edithdeguzman.bsky.social, our team joined @ucanr.edu and ASU for a workshop exploring how urban water systems can prepare for and respond to wildfire risks.

Learn more: ucanr.edu/blog/conflue... #UCLA #UCLALuskin

Transportation is a leading source of local and climate pollution. Our research helps shape policies, programs, and investments to advance an equitable transition to zero-emissions mobility.

Learn more: innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/transportati... #UCLALuskin #UCLA

Luskin Center for Innovation experts uplift the work of about 50 students a year | UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation supports 50 students each year with research, mentorship, and fellowships advancing equity and sustainability.

Every year, we empower around 50 students through mentorship, research opportunities, and fellowships – helping to strengthen environmental justice and sustainability across communities.

Meet the 2025 cohort: innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/2025/08/04/l... #UCLALuskin #UCLA #ResearchPowersProgress

Clean water is essential, yet many communities struggle to access it. Our research helps government agencies advance access to safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water, especially in underserved communities.

Learn more: innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/water/ #UCLALuskin #UCLA

Cool ideas wanted. USC launches Shade Zones Design Competition USC is launching a first-of-its-kind student design competition to tackle one of the region’s growing threats — extreme heat. The Shade Zones Design Competition kicks off in the fall and will run annu...

We and @dornsife.usc.edu have launched a #ShadeLA design competition to create cooling shade zones across public places in LA. @weareshadela.bsky.social uses our national Shade Map to identify areas that need it the most.

Read in @nbcla.com: www.nbclosangeles.com/weather-news... #UCLA #UCLALuskin

Environmental Graduate Student Networking Reception 2025 | UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation Calling all UCLA graduate students interested in environmental justice, sustainability, and climate resilience! Join us for a free cross-campus mixer hosted by the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation.

On Oct 14, 5–7 PM, join us for the Environmental Graduate Student Networking Reception. Connect with peers and discover campus opportunities in sustainability, climate action, and environmental justice.
RSVP: innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/event/enviro...
#UCLA #UCLALuskin

Ahead of the 2028 Olympics, Los Angeles launches a program to expand shade across the city L.A. is partnering with colleges and nonprofits to launch ShadeLA, an initiative focused on tree planting, canopy design and urban heat resilience before the 2028 Games.

LA's scaling up shade ahead of the 2028 Olympics, and our Shade Map is helping guide where it’s needed most. Partnering w/ @dornsife.usc.edu, we’re working to turn shade deserts into cooler, healthier spaces.

@latimes.com: www.latimes.com/environment/... #UCLA #UCLALuskin @weareshadela.bsky.social

Tomorrow (10/7)! Discover how 600+ SoCal drinking water systems stack up on safety, cost & access at our webinar and demo on #UCLA’s new Water Atlas.

Register: ucla.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #UCLALuskin @gregspierce.bsky.social @edithdeguzman.bsky.social @laurendunlap.bsky.social @ucanr.edu

UCLA Student Research Drives Water Resilience and Equitable Solutions in Post-Fire Los Angeles A team of UCLA master’s students in urban and regional planning (MURP) has produced an extensive report offering real-world strategies to strengthen water security.

Our #UCLA grad students identified water system vulnerabilities after the Jan 2025 wildfires. Advised by @gregspierce.bsky.social & @edithdeguzman.bsky.social, they provided solutions in their capstone report, advancing water security as a human right.

luskin.ucla.edu/ucla-student... #UCLALuskin

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: How Does Your Drinking Water System Compare? A Webinar and Demo on UCLA’s New Water Atlas. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about jo... Discover how 663 Southern California’s water systems perform on water quality, affordability, and other important factors. Join us for a webinar on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 12:00-1:00 PM PT, i...

On Oct 7, from 12-1 PM PT, join us for a webinar about #UCLA’s Southern California Water Systems Atlas, a new tool analyzing over 600 drinking water systems. Learn how these systems perform on water quality, affordability, and more.

Register: ucla.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #UCLALuskin @ucanr.edu

How to build a heat-resilient city Grist designed a model metropolis for an era of high temperatures, using the coolest technology available.

Cool pavements can help fight urban heat, but they’re not perfect. @vkturner.bsky.social tells @grist.org that while these materials reflect heat, they also increase radiant heat midday, calling for smart placement in areas busiest during cooler hours.
grist.org/project/citi... #UCLA #UCLALuskin

Across the US, cities combine art, shade and education to help people beat the heat Cities across the U.S. are combining art with shade to shield people from rising temperatures and educate them about our warming world.

@edithdeguzman.bsky.social’s research shows that shade can reduce up to 25% of heat-related deaths and reduce ER visits by up to 66% in LA. Her Roots of Cool art exhibit makes this data visible, highlighting who has shade and who doesn’t.

apnews.com/article/heat... #UCLA #UCLALuskin @ucanr.edu

We engage policymakers, communities, and nonprofit organizations to inform programs that advance urban greening equitably and sustainably, identifying and implementing viable solutions.

Learn more: innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/urban-greeni... #UCLALuskin #UCLA #ResearchPowersProgress

USC wants to make an increasingly hot L.A. a little shadier by the 2028 Olympics It could prompt a huge quality of life improvement that lasts beyond the Olympics.

Shade is getting its moment in the sun.
Our research is helping drive ShadeLA, a push to cool the city ahead of 2028. With our national Shade Map, the team is pointing out LA’s shade deserts to help make public spaces safer.
www.timeout.com/los-angeles/... #UCLA #UCLALuskin @weareshadela.bsky.social

It’s a Natural Resource We Don’t Think About Often. Public Health Depends On It More Than Ever. As extreme heat becomes deadlier, cities are rethinking trees, awnings, and shaded spaces as essential infrastructure.

#UCLA, @dornsife.usc.edu, and civic partners are helping power ShadeLA, a city-wide campaign to maintain and expand shade across LA ahead of 2028, using our national Shade Map.

Read about the effort in @slate.com: slate.com/business/202... #UCLALuskin @weareshadela.bsky.social

MSN

#UCLA engineers & @vkturner.bsky.social have pioneered an approach to make outdoor temperatures feel 10°F cooler by using transparent and infrared-reflective surfaces and hydronic panels, providing public shade and preserving safe and open spaces.

Read in MSN: bit.ly/3JY9LhW #UCLALuskin

Our 2025 SoCal Community Water Systems Atlas sheds light on disparities in drinking water quality, affordability, governance & climate resilience. See the report, map & dataset: bit.ly/3HU5Jqi @edithdeguzman.bsky.social @gregspierce.bsky.social @laurendunlap.bsky.social #UCLA #UCLALuskin @ucanr.edu