News and Events

Climate change impacts and opportunities for California’s natural and working lands: The role of the USDA Climate Hub

Friday, February 17, 2023, 3:30 PM, SH 316

Reception immediately following the presentation on the Storm Hall balcony

Steven Ostoja will overview the mission of the USDA Climate Hub to enable climate information decision-making for farmers, ranchers, and foresters to ensure resilience for the state's natural and working lands, and discuss opportunities for engagement and collaboration for students and faculty.

Steven will also share findings from USDA California Climate Hub projects regarding the impacts of wildfire on wine grapes, extreme heat events on high-value perennial crops like citrus and almonds, and what climate change in terms of warmer and dryer conditions might mean for the future of farming in the largest agricultural producing state in the nation.

Dr. Ostoja's research interests include applied natural resources management, human-environment interactions, and climate adaptation science. His work has been published in over 50 peer-reviewed, government and technical publications, and has contributed to numerous popular media outlets. As Director of the California Climate Hub, Dr. Ostoja leads the development and delivery of regional, science-based information that enables climate-smart agricultural and forestry decision-making for natural and working lands for the largest state in the nation. When not running the California program, you will find Dr. Ostoja either on a mountain bike trail, running white water rivers, or paddle surfing.

Sponsored by the Center for Better Food Futures and the Department of Geography